Chapter 1 Humanism
Possible Questions
I. SCERT 5-Mark Questions and Answers
Question 1: Explain the factors that led to Italy becoming the centre of the Renaissance.
• Independent and Wealthy Cities: Italian cities like Venice,
Florence, and Milan were very wealthy, independent, and full of
energy....
• Trade Monopoly: Italian merchants had a monopoly
on trade between the East and West through the Mediterranean, bringing
in massive wealth.
• Cultural Exchange: The Crusades helped
Europeans get acquainted with the rich cultures and lives of the people
in the Eastern world.
• Impact of the Black Death: The plague
caused a labour shortage and the decline of feudalism, allowing a new
commercial middle class to emerge.
• Migration of Scholars:
When Constantinople fell in 1453, scholars carrying ancient Greco-Roman
manuscripts migrated to Italian cities.
Question 2: Describe the characteristic features of Renaissance art, especially in painting and sculpture.
• Realistic Depiction: Artists studied human anatomy to present human forms with great accuracy and detail.
• Use of Light and Depth: Painters started using oil paints and
techniques to show light and spatial depth in their landscapes and
portraits.
• Focus on Humanism: Paintings moved away from
only spiritual themes to focus on the beauty of the human form and human
emotions.
• Secular Heroes: Sculptors like Donatello
liberated sculpture from the medieval style to immortalise secular
heroes and youthful figures.
• Classical Influence with a
Twist: Michelangelo and others depicted gods in human forms, which was a
big change from traditional Greco-Roman styles.
Question 3: How did Renaissance literature reflect the shift towards humanism?
• Regional Languages: Writers stopped writing only in Latin and
began producing great works in regional languages so that common people
could read them.
• Individual Liberty: The literature focused
on human emotions, patriotism, and individual freedom rather than just
religious ideas.
• Prominence of Prose: This period saw the growth of prose literature, making it easier to communicate new ideas.
• Political Thinking: Works like Machiavelli's The Prince
introduced secular political thoughts about the duties of a ruler.
• Invention of the Printing Press: Johannes Gutenberg's printing
press helped disseminate these new literary works to a larger
population.
Question 4: Elucidate the role of the Renaissance in making historiography scientific.
• Secular Narratives: History shifted from being about "divine
plans" to focusing on human life and human-centred explanations.
• Archaeological Evidence: Historians began to give more importance
to evidence like inscriptions, coins, and ancient relics.
• Critical Thinking: Scientific enquiry replaced old myths and stories in historical writing.
• Periodisation of History: The modern classification of history
into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods emerged during this time.
• Relics and Manuscripts: There were intensive efforts to
collect, preserve, and study ancient manuscripts and historical records.
Question 5: What were the contributions of the Renaissance to the field of modern science?
• Heliocentric Theory: Nicolaus Copernicus proved that the Sun is
the centre of the universe and that the Earth revolves around it.
• Discovery of Planets: Galileo Galilei used the telescope to
discover the satellites of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn.
•
Theory of Gravitation: The findings of scientists like Kepler regarding
planetary speeds laid the foundation for Isaac Newton's theory of
gravitation.
• Human Anatomy: Andreas Vesalius pioneered the study of human anatomy through the dissection of bodies.
• Medicine and Research: Paracelsus conducted research on the causes of diseases and tried to find new remedies.
II. Possible One-Mark Questions
What does the word "Renaissance" mean? Answer: Rebirth.
Who is the author of the famous work The Prince? Answer: Niccolò Machiavelli.
Which city was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire? Answer: Constantinople.
Who established the first printing press in Europe? Answer: Johannes Gutenberg.
Which scientist proved the heliocentric theory using a telescope? Answer: Galileo Galilei.
Who is known for the painting Mona Lisa? Answer: Leonardo da Vinci.
Which Italian family was a major patron of art in Florence? Answer: Medici family.
What was the "Black Death" that ravaged Europe in the 14th century? Answer: Bubonic Plague.
Who wrote The Divine Comedy? Answer: Dante.
Which organisation was set up by Ignatius Loyola to establish
the authority of the Catholic Church? Answer: The Society of Jesus.
III. Assertion-Reason Questions
Option A: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the
correct explanation of Assertion. Option B: Both Assertion and Reason
are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion. Option
C: Assertion is true, but Reason is false. Option D: Assertion is
false, but Reason is true.
Assertion (A): The
Renaissance began in Italy during the 14th century. Reason (R): Italian
cities were wealthy and became centres of art and literature under the
patronage of rulers and merchants. Correct Option: A
Assertion (A): The Reformation led to the establishment of several
National Churches in Europe. Reason (R): Secular rulers wanted to limit
the powers of the clergy and church courts over taxation and
appointments. Correct Option: A
Assertion (A):
Renaissance painting focus solely on spiritual and heavenly themes.
Reason (R): Humanistic ideals encouraged artists to represent human
beings in their natural form and emotions. Correct Option: D
IV. Triple Match Reasoning Questions
Identify the correct matching set (Author - Work - Country):
a. Erasmus - In Praise of Folly - Netherlands b. Thomas More -
Utopia - England c. Miguel de Cervantes - Don Quixote - Spain Correct
Set: All are correct
Identify the correct field
(Person - Field - Achievement/Contribution): a. Andreas Vesalius -
Anatomy - Dissection of cadavers b. Filippo Brunelleschi - Architecture -
Designed Domes (Dumo) c. Nicolaus Copernicus - Astronomy - Heliocentric
Theory Correct Set: All are correct
V. Statement-Statement Reasoning Questions
Options:
• (i) Statement 1 is correct, Statement 2 is incorrect.
• (ii) Statement 1 is incorrect, Statement 2 is correct.
• (iii) Both statements are correct.
• (iv) Both statements are incorrect.
Statement 1: Scholasticism encouraged research but
prioritised the divine and the afterlife. Statement 2: Humanism was a
paradigm shift that focused on a human-centred outlook instead of a
theological one. Correct Option: (iii)
Statement 1:
The Council of Trent was convened by Martin Luther to start the
Protestant Reformation. Statement 2: The Counter-Reformation was the
Catholic Church's effort to reform itself and correct its erroneous
tendencies. Correct Option: (ii)
Statement 1:
Leonardo Bruni and Flavio Biondo were historians who classification
world history into three periods. Statement 2: Medieval historians only
used archaeological evidence like coins and inscriptions to write
history. Correct Option: (i)
Chapter 2 French Revolution
Question 1: Explain the social system that existed in 18th-century France.
• Three Estates System: French society was divided into three
layers: the Clergy (First Estate), the Nobles (Second Estate), and the
Commons (Third Estate).
• The Clergy’s Privileges: The
Catholic Church was very wealthy and owned huge lands; they were
exempted from all taxes and collected a tax called 'tithe' from
peasants.
• The Nobles' Power: Nobles held top positions in
the army and government, lived in luxury, and collected various taxes
like Corvée (forced labour) from commoners.
• The Burden on
Commons: The Third Estate consisted of the middle class, workers, and
peasants; they had no privileges and were the only ones who paid all the
taxes to the king, church, and nobles.
• Extreme Inequality:
While the first two estates lived in luxury, the common people were
crushed by poverty and were denied any status in administration.
Question 2: How did the French thinkers influence the people and lead them towards revolution?
• Voltaire’s Criticism: He used his writings to strongly criticise the powers of the clergy and religious intolerance.
• Rousseau’s Social Contract: He argued that the king’s power
comes from a contract with the people, not from God; his famous words
were, "Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains".
•
Montesquieu’s Division of Power: He proposed that the government should
be divided into three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—to
protect individual freedom.
• John Locke’s Ideas: He rejected the "Divine Right Theory" of kings and spoke against the tyranny of the monarchy.
• Economic Influence: Thinkers known as 'Physiocrats' (like
Turgot and Necker) suggested free trade and agricultural improvements to
fix the economy.
Question 3: Describe the circumstances that led to the Tennis Court Oath and its significance.
• Meeting of Estates General: In 1789, King Louis XVI called the parliament after 175 years to impose new taxes.
• Dispute over Voting: The Third Estate demanded a 'one person,
one vote' system, but the first two estates insisted on the old 'one
house, one vote' rule to maintain their majority.
• Formation
of National Assembly: When the King rejected their demands, the Third
Estate declared themselves the "French National Assembly".
•
The Oath: Finding their meeting hall locked by the King, they gathered
in a nearby tennis court on June 20, 1789, and vowed not to leave until
they drafted a constitution.
• Symbol of Sovereignty: This
event marked the first time French citizens stood against the King’s
authority to demand a written constitution.
Question 4: Analyze the reforms implemented by the French National Assembly.
• Abolition of Feudalism: The Assembly took away the special powers of the nobility and ended the system of slavery.
• Tax Reforms: They abolished the taxes people had to pay to the Church and cancelled many additional unfair taxes.
• Declaration of Rights: They passed the ‘Declaration of the
Rights of Man and of the Citizen,’ ensuring liberty, property, and
security for all.
• Economic Measures: A new paper currency
called 'Assignat' was issued, and properties of religious leaders were
confiscated.
• Religious and Administrative Changes: They
declared complete religious tolerance and made the clergy salaried
employees of the government.
Question 5: What were the major consequences of the French Revolution?
• End of Feudalism: The laws of the old regime disappeared, and lands owned by the Church and nobles were confiscated.
• Metric System: France introduced a unified system of weights
and measures (the metric system), ending old inaccuracies.
•
Growth of Nationalism: The concept of a 'nation' shifted from the King
to the entire people of France, creating a strong national character.
• Democratic Foundation: The revolution established the idea of
"sovereignty of the people," laying the groundwork for democratic rule.
• Global Inspiration: The ideals of the revolution influenced
independence movements across Asia and Africa in the 19th and 20th
centuries.
Question 6: Evaluate the administrative reforms introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte.
• Napoleonic Code: He abolished old feudal laws and implemented a
unified legal code that recognised equality before the law and
religious freedom.
• Education Reforms: He started
government-run schools called 'lycee' and established the University of
France to control the country’s education.
• Economic
Stability: Napoleon established the 'Bank of France' and introduced a
unified currency system throughout the country.
• Religious
Peace (Concordat): He signed an agreement with the Pope to restore the
freedom of the Catholic Church while keeping it under state control.
• Military Reorganisation: He reorganised the French army into
efficient battalions, making it one of the strongest in Europe.
Chapter 3: Social Analysis: Through Sociological Imagination,
Question 1: What do you mean by "Commonsense Knowledge"?
• Direct Understanding: It is the basic understanding that
individuals get through their own personal experiences, cultural
knowledge, and social interactions.
• Not Formal Knowledge:
This is not formal or scientific knowledge; rather, it consists of
everyday practical assumptions like knowing "fire will burn" or "the sun
rises in the east".
Question 2: How does commonsense knowledge develop in a person?
• Personal Life: It develops primarily through an individual’s
own personal experiences and the process of socialisation.
•
General Observation: It is also formed by making general observations
about the world and things happening around us every day.
Question 3: Mention two major limitations of the commonsense knowledge approach.
• Partial and Unscientific: It usually provides only a partial
understanding of a situation and is not based on any scientific studies
or observations.
• Based on Stereotypes: It often relies on
speculations and fixed beliefs (stereotypes) rather than analyzing the
real causes of a problem.
Question 4: What are "Social Factors"? Give examples.
• Influence on Behaviour: Social factors are different elements
of society that influence a person’s attitude, choices, and way of
behaving.
• Examples: Some common social factors include
family, religion, education, the economic status of a person, and the
governance system.
Question 5: Define "Social Analysis".
• Process of Examination: It is the process of studying how
social institutions, relationships, and problems affect both the
individual and the whole society.
• Deeper Understanding:
Social analysis helps us understand why certain social situations happen
and gives us ideas on how to improve them.
Question 6: What is "Sociological Imagination"? Who introduced this concept?
• Skill of Connection: It is the skill to identify and understand
how an individual’s personal problems are actually related to the
bigger social structures.
• Founder: This concept was
introduced by the famous American sociologist Charles Wright Mills in
his book published in 1959.
Question 7: What are "Social Institutions"? Provide examples.
• Framework of Rules: These are a set of rules and systems
established by society to keep social relations stable and orderly.
• Examples: Important social institutions include family, marriage, religion, and educational or judicial institutions.
Question 8: Explain "Self-reflexivity" in the context of sociological imagination.
• Critical Evaluation: It is the skill of a person to critically
look at and evaluate their own thoughts, decisions, and actions.
• Realising Influences: It helps a person realise that their choices
(like choosing a career) are often influenced by others, such as parents
or teachers, rather than being purely personal.
Question 9: How does sociological imagination help in developing empathy and tolerance?
• Understanding Context: It allows a person to see the social
reasons behind why others behave in a certain way or face specific
problems.
• Diverse Perspectives: By understanding the social
context of others' experiences, people can approach them with more
support and kindness.
Question 10: Differentiate between a "Personal Problem" and a "Social Problem".
• Scope of Impact: A personal problem affects only one person or a
very few people, while a social problem is a condition that affects a
very large number of people in society.
• Undesirable
Conditions: Social problems are considered harmful to society; examples
include poverty, inequality, and environmental pollution.
Chapter 4: Wealth and the World
One-Mark Questions
Which city was conquered by the Turks in 1453, leading to geographical expeditions? Answer: Constantinople.
Who reached the shores of Kappad in 1498? Answer: Vasco da Gama.
Which economic policy measures a nation's wealth by the
amount of gold and silver it possesses? Answer: Mercantilism.
Who was the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe? Answer: Ferdinand Magellan.
In which country did the Industrial Revolution begin? Answer: England.
Two-Mark Questions (2 Answer Points)
• Question 1: What were the main reasons for the 15th-century geographical expeditions?
◦ The capture of Constantinople by the Turks blocked
traditional trade routes to Asia, forcing Europeans to find new sea
routes.
◦ Europeans needed spices like pepper for food preservation and medicinal purposes.
• Question 2: Define "Triangular Trade."
◦ It was a system where products from Europe were sent to
Africa to buy enslaved people, who were then sold in the Americas.
◦ From the Americas, goods like sugar and cotton were shipped back to Europe.
• Question 3: What is "Industrial Capitalism"?
◦ It is an economic system where wealth gained from colonies
was invested in starting factories for mass production using machines.
◦ In this system, factory owners made huge profits compared to the earlier merchant capitalism.
Three-Mark Questions (3 Answer Points)
• Question 1: What factors enabled European nations to undertake successful expeditions?
◦ The building of advanced, sturdier ships capable of crossing vast and rough oceans.
◦ The invention of navigational tools like the compass and advances in cartography (map-making).
◦ Strong military power and the financial patronage provided by European rulers.
• Question 2: What were the major consequences of the Industrial Revolution?
◦ Production: There was a massive increase in production as work shifted from cottages to mechanised factories....
◦ Urbanisation: It led to the rise of busy cities but also resulted in the growth of overcrowded and polluted slums.
◦ Labour: It created new jobs but also led to the
exploitation of workers, including long hours and low wages for women
and children.
Reasoning Questions
• Assertion-Reason:
◦ Assertion (A): The First World War led to the decline of European global domination.
◦ Reason (R): The war devastated European industrial and
agricultural sectors and gave momentum to freedom movements in Asia and
Africa.
◦ Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation.
• Triple Match:
◦ Match: (1) Bartolomeu Dias — Cape of Good Hope — 1488. (2)
Christopher Columbus — Bahamas — 1492. (3) Vasco da Gama — Kappad —
1498.
◦ Answer: All sets are correctly matched.
• Statement-Statement:
◦ Statement 1: Fascism was the totalitarian ideology in Italy founded by Benito Mussolini.
◦ Statement 2: Nazism was the totalitarian ideology in Germany founded by Adolf Hitler.
◦ Answer: Both statements are correct.
Chapter 5: Public Opinion in Democracy, based on the SCERT textbook sources.
Question 1: Define "Public Opinion" and explain its importance in a democratic system.
• Definition: Public opinion is the general view or position held
by a section of society on issues that affect them, such as public
health, development, or environment.
• Strengthens Democracy:
It empowers citizens to take a scientific and rational stand on social
issues, which makes the democratic system stronger.
• Social
Control: It acts as an effective method of social control over the
government by encouraging debates and discussions on state policies.
• Influences Policies: Democratic governments formulate their
programmes and policies by considering the interests and opinions of the
people.
Question 2: What are the major characteristics of public opinion?
• Reflects Diversity: Public opinion is not a single view;
instead, it reflects various and diverse opinions existing within the
society.
• Consensus-Based: It is not always the opinion of
the majority, but rather a general agreement or consensus reached on a
specific topic.
• Changes with Time: Public opinion is not
fixed; it can change based on new knowledge, changing circumstances, or
the time period.
• No Fixed Place: There is no specific
office or place to express it; citizens can express their opinions from
anywhere, ensuring democratic communication.
Question 3: How do family and educational institutions act as agencies in shaping public opinion?
• First Stage (Family): A child’s socialisation begins at home,
where discussions between parents on politics, religion, and social
issues influence the child's initial perceptions.
• Knowledge
and Thinking (Schools): Educational institutions help develop a child's
knowledge, scientific thinking, and critical thinking skills, which are
essential for forming rational opinions.
• Independent
Opinion: Education helps an individual to look at a subject logically
and form an independent view rather than just following others.
• Platform for Expression: School activities like the school
parliament, clubs, and cultural events provide a platform for students
to practice expressing and forming public opinion.
Question 4: Discuss the role of different types of media in shaping public opinion.
• Newspapers (Print): They bring current political and social
events to the public and act as a bridge by carrying the people's views
to the government.
• Radio and Television: These serve as a
"mirror to social life" and are very important for sharing information
and opinions among the illiterate sections of society.
•
Social Media: In the modern age, digital platforms allow for instant
reactions to news, enabling a large number of people to participate in
public discussions.
• Digital/Media Literacy: To avoid being
misled by fake news on media, citizens must develop the skill to
critically evaluate and check the validity of messages received through
digital platforms.
Question 5: How do political parties influence and mobilise public opinion?
• Political Thinking: The main goal of political parties is to
make the general public think about common social issues from a
political perspective.
• Propagating Policies: Ruling parties
use campaign strategies to explain government policies in their favour
to gain support.
• Highlighting Failures: Opposition parties
bring the failures and shortcomings of the government to the people's
attention to create an opinion against the ruling side.
•
Election Manifestos: During elections, parties use manifestos, rallies,
and seminars to sway public opinion and ensure the participation of
voters in the electoral process.
Question 6: Explain how art and literature contribute to the formation of public opinion.
• Influence of Cinema and Plays: Dramatic works like Patta Bakki
and Adukkalayil Ninnu Arangathekku played a major role in changing the
social life and views of people in Kerala.
• Social
Revolution: Literary figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Mahakavi
Kumaran Asan used their writing to inspire the freedom movement and
fight social evils like untouchability.
• Traditional Art
Forms: Folk arts like Ottanthullal and Chakyarkoothu were used to ignite
social revolutions by criticising existing bad customs and social
evils.
• Inculcating Values: Art and literature reflect the
ideals of unity, brotherhood, and humanity, helping people to develop a
better perspective on society.
Question 7: What are the major factors that hinder the formation of healthy public opinion?
• Illiteracy: People who cannot read or write often have limited
knowledge about public issues, making it hard for them to form rational
or scientific opinions.
• Digital Divide: The gap in
accessing modern technology like the internet and smartphones prevents
many people from participating in the modern opinion-forming process.
• Poverty: Individuals living in extreme poverty are often
isolated from public affairs and are unable to participate properly in
the formation of public opinion.
• Unhealthy Practices:
Corruption, hero worship, regionalism, and negative propaganda during
election campaigns often stop the formation of a true and fair public
opinion.
Question 8: Why is digital and media literacy essential for a citizen in a democracy?
• Accessing Information: Digital literacy allows citizens to find
and evaluate information from the digital world using computers and the
internet efficiently.
• Critical Interpretation: Media
literacy helps people to critically interpret news and understand how
certain messages are trying to shape their perceptions.
•
Identifying Fake News: It gives citizens the ability to find the real
source of a message and avoid sharing "fake news" that could mislead
society.
• Safe Communication: Literacy in these areas helps
citizens recognise traps in the digital world, such as cybercrimes,
ensuring they communicate safely on digital platforms.
Chapter 6: Mass Movement for Freedom
Possible One-Mark Questions
In which year did Mahatma Gandhi return to India from South Africa?
◦ Answer: 1915.
Name the book written by Gandhiji in 1909 where he explained "Swaraj."
◦ Answer: Hind Swaraj.
Which incident in 1922 led Gandhiji to stop the Non-Cooperation Movement?
◦ Answer: Chauri Chaura incident.
Who was known as the "Frontier Gandhi"?
◦ Answer: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
What was the famous mantra given by Gandhiji during the Quit India Movement?
◦ Answer: "Do or Die".
Who was the first Prime Minister of independent India?
◦ Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru.
Name the woman who led the 'Rani Jhansi Regiment' of the INA.
◦ Answer: Captain Lakshmi Sahgal.
In which session did the Congress demand "Purna Swaraj" (Complete Independence) for the first time?
◦ Answer: Lahore Session (1929).
Assertion-Reason Questions
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.
Assertion (A): Gandhiji described the
national hartal of April 6, 1919, as a ‘most wonderful spectacle.’
Reason (R): The Rowlatt Act allowed the British to arrest anyone without
a warrant and jail them without trial.
◦ Answer: (a).
Assertion (A): The Civil Disobedience Movement started with
the Dandi March. Reason (R): Salt was an essential item for everyone,
and the British government had an unfair monopoly on making it.
◦ Answer: (a).
Assertion (A): The Swaraj Party was formed to support the
boycott of legislative assemblies. Reason (R): C.R. Das and Motilal
Nehru wanted to use the assemblies to voice political dissent.
◦ Answer: (d) (Assertion is false because they wanted to enter the assemblies, not boycott them).
Triple Match Reasoning Questions
Identify the correctly matched set (Leader — Movement/Event — Year/Place):
(a) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — Bardoli Movement — 1928 (b)
Bhagat Singh — HSRA — 1928 (c) Subhas Chandra Bose — INA — Singapore
◦ Answer: All are correct....
(a) Muhammad Ali — Khilafat Movement — Restoration of Caliph
(b) Alluri Sitarama Raju — Rampa Rebellion — Andhra Pradesh (c) Pethick
Lawrence — Cabinet Mission — 1946
◦ Answer: All are correct....
Statement-Statement Reasoning Questions
Options: (i) Statement 1 is correct, Statement 2 is incorrect.
(ii) Statement 1 is incorrect, Statement 2 is correct. (iii) Both
statements are correct. (iv) Both statements are incorrect.
Statement 1: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was led by General
Reginald Dyer in 1919. Statement 2: The Hunter Commission was appointed
to support General Dyer's actions.
◦ Answer: (i)
(Statement 2 is incorrect because the commission was for inquiry, though
Dyer's testimony was defiant).
Statement 1: The Quit
India Movement was the final mass movement led by Gandhiji. Statement
2: Aruna Asaf Ali and Jayaprakash Narayan led the movement from hiding.
◦ Answer: (iii).
Statement 1: The Mountbatten Plan proposed partitioning India
into India and Pakistan. Statement 2: India gained independence on
August 15, 1947, through the Indian Independence Act.
◦ Answer: (iii).
Social Science I - Chapter 7: The Glimpses of Free India
Question 1: What were the major challenges faced by India immediately after gaining independence?
• Rehabilitation of Refugees: Following the partition, more than
six million people from Pakistan came to India as refugees, and the
government had to provide them with homes and work.
•
Integration of Princely States: Bringing 565 independent princely states
into the Indian Union was a very difficult task for the new nation.
• Reorganisation of States: There was a strong demand to redraw
the boundaries of states based on the languages spoken by the people.
• Economic Strengthening: The Indian economy had collapsed under
British rule, and there was an urgent need to solve food scarcity and
poverty.
Question 2: Explain how the princely states were integrated into the Indian Union.
• Leadership of Patel and Menon: This mission was successfully
completed by a team led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Home Minister) and
V.P. Menon.
• Instrument of Accession: The princely states
were invited to sign this document to give their consent to join the
Indian Union while keeping some internal powers.
• Use of
Force and Talk: While most joined peacefully, states like Junagadh,
Kashmir, and Hyderabad were integrated through military action or deep
talks.
• Privy Purse: As a reward for losing their power and
income, the government gave a fixed amount of financial aid called the
'Privy Purse' to the ruling families.
Question 3: Describe the steps taken for the linguistic reorganisation of states in India.
• Early Committees: In 1948, the Dhar Commission and the J.V.P.
Committee (Nehru, Patel, and Sitaramayya) were appointed to study if
states should be formed based on language.
• Formation of
Andhra: After the death of Potti Sreeramulu during a hunger strike, the
first linguistic state, Andhra, was created in 1953 for Telugu speakers.
• State Reorganisation Commission: In 1953, the government
appointed a commission led by Justice Fazal Ali, with H.N. Kunzru and
Sardar K.M. Panikkar as members.
• 1956 Act: Based on the
commission's report, the Parliament passed a bill in 1956, forming 14
linguistic states and 6 Union Territories.
Question 4: What were the key outcomes of the land reform laws implemented in Kerala?
• Abolition of Landlordism: The old 'Janmi' system was ended,
meaning landlords could no longer exploit the poor farmers.
•
Ownership Rights: The tenants who were actually farming the land
received permanent ownership rights over that agricultural land.
• Land Ceiling: A maximum limit was set on how much land one
individual or family could own (e.g., 15 acres for a family) to prevent
wealth concentration.
• Elimination of Inequality: These laws
helped to reduce the big gap between the rich and the poor in the
villages and improved the social status of farmers.
Chapter 8: Democracy: An Indian Experience
One-Mark Questions
Who was the first Prime Minister of independent India?
◦ Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru.
Which commission was appointed in 1979 to study the backwardness of OBC communities?
◦ Answer: Mandal Commission (Second Backward Classes Commission).
In which year was the National Emergency declared in India due to internal security threats?
◦ Answer: 1975.
Name the law passed in 1985 to prevent elected members from abandoning their political party.
◦ Answer: Anti-Defection Law.
Two-Mark Questions (2 Answer Points)
• Question 1: Differentiate between the Instrument of Accession and the Merger Agreement.
◦ The Instrument of Accession was for princely states to join
India while keeping their right to rule themselves internally.
◦ The Merger Agreement was for the complete joining of the state
into India, where their right to self-governance ended.
• Question 2: What is "One-Party Dominance" in the context of Indian politics?
◦ It refers to a period where a single political party (like
the Congress) continuously wins elections with a large majority and
stays in power.
◦ This dominance existed within a democratic framework and was based on the trust people put in that party.
Three-Mark Questions (3 Answer Points)
• Question 1: What were the major challenges in conducting India's first general election?
◦ The government had to draw boundaries for constituencies
(delimiting) and prepare a massive list of voters based on adult
franchise.
◦ It was difficult to educate the illiterate majority of the population about the importance and process of voting.
◦ Finding a sufficient number of election officials and
training them to ensure a fair and transparent election was a huge task.
• Question 2: Mention the impacts of the 1975 National Emergency on Indian democracy.
◦ Fundamental rights of citizens were frozen, the federal
system was stopped, and the union government concentrated all power.
◦ Leaders of the opposition parties were put in jail without a
trial, and strict censorship was put on newspapers and news.
◦ The power of the courts to review government decisions (judicial review) was abolished.
• Question 3: Describe the goals and impact of the Dalit Panthers Movement.
◦ Formed in Maharashtra in 1972, this movement was led by
educated Dalit youth to fight against caste discrimination.
◦ They used literature, cinema, and drama to bring the lives of marginalized people into the mainstream discussion.
◦ Their protests forced the government to take stronger
actions against attacks on Dalits and inspired other social justice
movements.
Reasoning Questions
Assertion-Reason Questions
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.
Assertion (A): The Mandal Commission
recommended 27% reservation for backward classes in government jobs.
Reason (R): The commission found that these communities were socially
and educationally backward.
◦ Answer: (a).
Assertion (A): Sociological imagination connects individual
experiences to larger social structures. Reason (R): Charles Wright
Mills introduced this concept in his book published in 1959.
◦ Answer: (b).
Triple Match Reasoning Questions
Identify the correctly matched set (Leader/Event — Movement — Year/Details):
(a) Sunderlal Bahuguna — Chipko Movement — Embracing trees.
(b) Medha Patkar — Narmada Bachao Andolan — Sardar Sarovar project. (c)
B.P. Mandal — Mandal Commission — OBC Reservation.
◦ Answer: All are correct.
Statement-Statement Reasoning Questions
Options: (i) Statement 1 is correct, Statement 2 is
incorrect. (ii) Statement 1 is incorrect, Statement 2 is correct. (iii)
Both statements are correct. (iv) Both statements are incorrect.
Statement 1: The RTI Act ensures the right of citizens to get
information from public authorities within 30 days. Statement 2: The
RTI movement was started by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan in
Rajasthan.
◦ Answer: (iii).
Statement
1: Communalism is the idea of dividing people on the basis of language.
Statement 2: Communalism divides people on the basis of religion and
creates social conflict.
◦ Answer: (ii).
Chapter 9: Know the Indian Social System
Question 1: How did Herbert Spencer explain the concept of a "Social Organism"?
- Comparison to the Body: Herbert Spencer was the sociologist who compared society to a living organism, noting that both have complex structures where parts perform specific functions.
- Interdependence: Just as body organs (like the heart or lungs) work together to keep a person alive, social institutions like family, education, and government work together to maintain social order.
- Maintenance of Stability: This coordination between different parts ensures the stability, growth, and orderly functioning of the entire social system.
Question 2: According to G.S. Ghurye, what are the distinctive features of the Indian social system?
- Complex Structure: The Indian social system has a complex structure that has evolved over thousands of years, reflecting the history and traditions of the country.
- Diversity and Continuity: It is uniquely characterised by a blend of diversity and continuity, where many different cultures exist together over time.
- Plurality: The system is rich in regional, linguistic, and religious plurality, with the caste system being one of its main defining features.
Question 3: Describe the main features of the Caste System in India.
- Social Hierarchy: Members are ranked into different layers or strata based on their birth, which determines their status and roles in society.
- Division of Labour: Specific hereditary occupations are assigned to each caste; for example, in ancient times, Shudras were assigned roles serving higher castes, leaving no room for social mobility.
- Endogamy: The system strictly promotes marriage within one's own caste to maintain boundaries and prevent the intermingling of different groups.
Question 4: What role does religion play as a tool for social control in India?
- Teaching Values: Every religion teaches human values like honesty, empathy, and social responsibility, which help in the process of socialisation.
- Guiding Behaviour: These religious values act as a guide for individual behaviour, helping to maintain coexistence and social order.
- Encouraging Righteousness: By emphasizing righteousness and morality, religion influences how people interact with one another in a society.
Question 5: Explain how language helps in unifying the Indian social system.
- Symbol of Identity: Language connects people to their specific identities; for example, Malayalam speakers are known as Malayalees, and Tamil speakers as Tamils.
- Organic Traditions: Languages carry the stories, values, and traditions of a society through both oral and written transmission over many generations.
- Fostering Coexistence: Learning more than one language allows people to understand different cultures, which develops broader perspectives and fosters respect for cultural diversity.
Question 6: Discuss the contributions of tribal societies to the Indian social system.
- Traditional Knowledge: Tribal communities possess valuable knowledge regarding sustainable agriculture, indigenous medicine, and the preservation of biodiversity.
- Environmental Protection: Because they live in close interaction with nature, tribal groups play a vital role in protecting forests and maintaining ecological balance.
- Cultural Enrichment: Tribal societies nourish Indian culture through unique art forms (like Warli painting), music, and festivals that uphold the ideal of 'unity in diversity'.
Question 7: How are rural and urban societies in India interdependent?
- Exchange of Resources: Cities depend on villages for food and raw materials, while villages depend on cities for technology and access to larger markets.
- Technological Support: Urban centres develop modern applications and tools, such as mobile apps to assist farmers, which help increase crop yields in rural areas.
- Cultural and Economic Links: Migration between rural and urban areas connects both societies, encouraging cultural exchange and providing modern employment opportunities.
Question 8: Differentiate between the concepts of "Diversity" and "Pluralism."
- Existence vs. Cultivation: Diversity refers to the natural presence of differences (religion, race, etc.) in a society, while pluralism is a conscious activity that must be intentionally cultivated.
- Interaction: In a diverse society, groups may not have mutual respect, but pluralism promotes active communication, love, and friendship between different social groups.
- Outcome: Pluralism ensures that differences do not lead to division, but instead contribute to unity and peaceful coexistence.
Question 9: What are the key features of "National Integration" in India?
- Respect for Backgrounds: It is a process where people from different regions, languages, and religions are respected for their diversity, leading to a harmonious state.
- Common Identity: It unifies various groups into a single national identity while still respecting their individual cultural and religious differences.
- Democratic Governance: National integration strengthens democratic rule by ensuring the equal participation and representation of all groups, including marginalised sections.