👉 Malayalam                                                                                         Question Paper

First Term Examination 

I. Questions 1 to 8 (1 score each)

1. Question: Identify the period to which tools in the given picture are related.
   • Answer: A. Neolithic age.

2. Question: Identify the person from the following hints: Attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar; Delivered his first sermon at Sarnath; Attained Nirvana at Kushinara.
   • Answer: A. Gauthama Buddha.

3. Question: Arrange the items in column B appropriate to column A and choose the correct combinations from the options given below.
   • Answer: C. a-iii b-i c-iv d-ii.

4. Question: India signs diplomatic agreement with Sri Lanka. Identify the list in the 7th schedule of the Constitution of India related to the above mentioned event.
   • Answer: A. Union List.

5. Question: Statement I: The Himalayas were formed by the convergence of the Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate. Statement II: Fold mountains are formed along the divergent boundary. Analyse the above statements and choose the correct answer from the options given below.
   • Answer: Only I is correct.

6. Question: Some information related to human life in the Palaeolithic age are given below. (I) Lived in caves and open spaces. (II) Use of microliths. (III) Food was not stored. (IV) Bands were the basic unit of society. Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
   • Answer: C. i, iii, iv.

7. Question: Assertion (A): The rivers flowing through Bhabar region are not visible. Reason (R): This zone of the plains are formed by the deposition of rocks and boulders brought by the rivers flowing from the mountains. Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
   • Answer: A. Both A and R are correct. R is the correct explanation of A.

8. Question: Find out the factors that led Magadha to become the most prominent among the Sixteen Mahajanapadas. (I) Magadha was a fertile region with plenty of rainfall. (II) Elephants were available in large numbers in the forest of Magadha. (III) Copper was easily available in Magadha.
   • Answer: B. i and ii are correct.

II. Questions 9 to 13 (2 scores each)

9. Question: (A) Complete the following chart related to the use of tools by primitive humans. A method of using available stones without changing their shape. A method of using available stones by changing their shape. OR (B) Complete the given table related to Megolithic centres.
   • Answer:
   ▪ Utilisation – using available stones without changing their shape.
   ▪ Fashioning – using available stones by changing the shape according to the need.
   ▪ Standardisation – making specific tools for each purpose.
   ▪ Mesolithic Centres:
   • Sarai Nahar Rai – India.
   • Star Carr – England.
   • Fahien Cave – Sri Lanka.

10. Question: What do you mean by the Bugyals?
    • Answer: The alpine summer meadows along the higher altitude mountain slopes are called Bugyals. Examples include Dayara Bugyal and Gorson Bugyal.

11. Question: Complete the following as per the model given. Model: Labour – Wages. Land – ____. Capital – ____.
    • Answer:
    ▪ Land – Rent.
    ▪ Labour – Wages.
    ▪ Capital – Interest.

12. Question: Identify the landform marked as 'A' in the picture and explain how it is formed?
    • Answer: The landform referred to is an alluvial fan. These are formed when rivers enter a plain from mountainous regions, and their velocity decreases abruptly. The sediments (alluvium) carried by the rivers then get deposited in the form of fans.

13. Question: Mention the two sects of Jainism?
    • Answer: Jainism has two main sects: the Shvetambaras and the Digambaras.

III. Questions 14 to 21 (3 scores each)

14. Question: (A) Explain the Alluvial plains. OR (B) Give an account of the characteristics of the tropical deciduous forests in the North Indian Plain.
    • Answer 14 (A): Alluvial Plains:
    ▪ To the south of the Tarai, a belt consisting of older and newer alluvial deposits forms the Alluvial plain.
    ▪ The older alluvium deposits are known as the Bhangar, while the newer ones are referred to as the Khadar.
    ▪ These plains include depositional landforms such as riverine islands, sandbars, and deltas, as well as features like braided streams, meanders, and ox-bow lakes.
    • Answer 14 (B): Characteristics of Tropical Deciduous Forests:
    ▪ Tropical deciduous forests are classified into two types: Dry deciduous forests and Moist deciduous forests.
    ▪ Dry deciduous forests receive rainfall between 70 cm and 100 cm and are found in regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
    ▪ Moist deciduous forests receive rainfall from 100 cm to 200 cm and are located along the strip of the Shiwalik range (including Tarai and Bhabar) and in certain parts of Odisha and West Bengal.

15. Question: Mention the features of the life of the people in the Early Vedic period based on the hints given below. Hints: Settlement, Position of women, Agriculture.
    • Answer:
    ▪ Settlement: People lived in the Sapta Sindhu region.
    ▪ Economy: They had a pastoral economy and were semi-nomads.
    ▪ Position of women: Women held a comparatively higher social status.
    ▪ Agriculture: Forests were cleared and burned for cultivation.

16. Question: Elucidate the circumstances that made the ideas of Buddha attracted to the people.
    • Answer:
    ▪ Buddha's teachings and principles were simple and practical.
    ▪ He rejected the Vedas, sacrifices (Yagas), and the caste system.
    ▪ His concept of Ahimsa was appealing to many.
    ▪ His stance against sacrifices particularly attracted those involved in agricultural activities.
    ▪ He spread his ideas in Pali, the language of the common people, making them accessible.

17. Question: Education leads to the progress of the country. Substantiate the statement.
    • Answer: Education leads to an increase in ability, which fosters technological knowledge and skill development. This, in turn, results in better jobs and better income, contributing to a better quality of life and ultimately, national development.

18. Question: Explain the soil types in the Himalayan mountain region.
    • Answer:
    ▪ Mountain soil and forest soil are commonly found in the Himalayan terrain.
    ▪ The soil texture and particle size vary with the mountain environment.
    ▪ Fine-grained soil with high humus content is observed in the valleys.
    ▪ On the high slopes, coarse-grained soil with low humus content can be seen.
    ▪ Alluvial deposition is primarily found in the valleys.
    ▪ Glacial sediment deposited in the Kashmir Valley is known as Karewas. This humus-rich fine soil is ideal for saffron cultivation.

19. Question: The climate of the Himalayan mountain zone varies according to the elevation and the topography of the respective parts of the region. Elucidate the statement.
    • Answer:
    ▪ The climate of the Himalayan mountain zone is determined by the elevation and topography of its specific parts.
    ▪ Mild climate prevails along the lower mountain slopes and the Shiwalik foothills.
    ▪ At higher elevations, temperatures are considerably low, leading to winter climate conditions.
    ▪ Extremely high altitudes and the Ladakh region experience a pole-like extreme winter climate.
    ▪ South West Monsoon rains are received along the southern slopes of the Shiwalik ranges and in North Eastern India.
    ▪ Snowfall is common in the higher regions of the mountains.
    ▪ North Eastern India, especially the Meghalaya Plateau, receives heavy rainfall.

20. Question: Write the features of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament.
    • Answer:
    ▪ The Lok Sabha is the Lower House of the Indian Parliament.
    ▪ The minimum age for contesting elections is 25 years.
    ▪ Its members are elected directly by the people on a majority system.
    ▪ The term for its members is 5 years.
    ▪ It has a maximum strength of 550 members.
    ▪ The present number of members is 543.
    ▪ The Lok Sabha is chaired by the Speaker.

21. Question: Is the Mauryan system of administration similar to the present Indian system of administration? Substantiate.
    • Answer: Yes, the Mauryan system of administration shared several similarities with the present Indian system:
    ▪ Both systems had ministers (Amatya in Mauryan). In the Mauryan era, they were appointed by the king, similar to how ministers are appointed by the President at the centre and governors in the states today.
    ▪ Officers were paid in cash salaries in both Mauryan and present systems.
    ▪ A detailed calculation system to determine taxes was prevalent in both the Mauryan and current systems.
    ▪ A strong monetary system was also a feature of both.

IV. Questions 22 to 28 (4 scores each)

22. Question: (A) What are the factors that forced humans to begin agriculture in the area called ‘Fertile Crescent’? OR (B) Identify the civilization which is known as ‘the first urbanisation’ in Indian history. Explain.
    • Answer 22 (A): Factors for beginning agriculture in the Fertile Crescent:
    ▪ Population growth.
    ▪ An increase in the number of human settlements.
    ▪ Development of a complex social organisation.
    ▪ Shortage of food products.
    ▪ Changes in technology.
    • Answer 22 (B): The first urbanization in Indian history:
    ▪ The civilization known as the first urbanization in Indian history is the Harappan civilization, which belongs to the Bronze Age.
    ▪ It included prominent cities like Harappa, Mohenjodaro, and Lothal.
    ▪ Key features of this civilization were well-planned public buildings, the Great Bath, organized houses, streets, and drainage systems, and granaries.
    ▪ There was also the presence of various types of crafts and trade.

23. Question: (A) Identify the physiographic division marked as "B" in the given map and explain the characteristics of this division. OR (B) Identify the regional divisions of Ganga plain marked as A, B and C. Explain how the Ganga plain was formed.
    • Answer 23 (A): Physiographic division "B":
    ▪ The physiographic division marked as "B" is the Indo-Gangetic Brahmaputra Plains.
    • Answer 23 (B): Regional divisions of Ganga Plain and its formation:
    ▪ The regional divisions of the Ganga Plain are: (A) Upper Ganga Plain, (B) Middle Ganga Plain, and (C) Lower Ganga Plain.
    ▪ The Ganga Plain is situated to the east of the Punjab-Haryana Plain and stretches from Bangladesh in the east to the Yamuna River in the west.
    ▪ It was formed through the depositional processes by the River Ganga and its tributaries.
    ▪ Its average elevation is around 200 metres above mean sea level, and it exhibits a general slope towards the east and southeast.

24. Question: (A) Differences in factors like topography, elevation and climate lead to the regional variations in natural vegetation in the Himalayan terrain. Substantiate. OR (B) Analyse the tourism potential of Himalayan region based on the given hints: Pilgrimage, Tourist centres, Adventure tourism.
    • Answer 24 (A): Regional variations in natural vegetation in the Himalayan terrain:
    ▪ Differences in elevation, topography, soil type, and climate result in significant regional variations in natural vegetation across the Himalayan terrain.
    ▪ Due to an average annual rainfall exceeding 200 cm, the Eastern Himalayas and North Eastern Hills feature more tropical evergreen vegetation.
    ▪ As temperature decreases with altitude, corresponding changes are visible in the natural vegetation. A spectrum from evergreen forests to cold climate vegetation like Tundra can be found depending on altitude.
    ▪ Semi-evergreen and deciduous forests are present in the valleys and lower mountain slopes.
    ▪ Moist deciduous forests are found at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 2000 metres.
    ▪ Coniferous tree varieties such as pine and deodar grow more along the mountain slopes.
    ▪ Shrubs like junipers and rhododendrons thrive at higher altitudes, while alpine meadows are seen at the highest altitudes.
    • Answer 24 (B): Tourism potential of the Himalayan region:
    ▪ Pilgrimage: Tourism development in these regions was initially driven by pilgrimage-associated travel. Several pilgrim centers, including Kailas, Manasarovar, Amarnath, and Hema Kund Sahib, have attracted travelers for centuries.
    ▪ Tourist Centres: The second phase of tourism development began in the 19th century when the British recognized the area's favorable climate. Important resort towns such as Shimla, Darjeeling, Shillong, Almora, Ranikhet, Mussoorie, and Nainital became key tourist destinations.
    ▪ Adventure Tourism: The third stage of modern tourism development started after the conquest of Mount Everest by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953. Today, the adventure tourism sector, promoting activities like mountaineering, paragliding, and skiing, has developed significantly in this region.

25. Question: Write the features of Indian Federalism.
    • Answer: Features of Indian Federalism include:
    ▪ Bicameralism.
    ▪ A written constitution.
    ▪ Independent and Integrated Judiciary.
    ▪ Sovereignty of the Constitution.
    ▪ Single Citizenship.

26. Question: What are the factors that influence human capital formation?
    • Answer: Factors that influence human capital formation include:
    ▪ Education.
    ▪ Healthcare.
    ▪ Job training.
    ▪ Migration.
    ▪ Access to Information.

27. Question: Some of the concepts presented by Anu in an elocution held in the class on the occasion of Constitution Day are given below. "A comprehensive document containing about one and a half million words. The largest written Constitution. Detailed content considering the diversity of the country." What are the other features of the Indian Constitution likely to be mentioned by Anu?
    • Answer: Other features of the Indian Constitution likely to be mentioned include:
    ▪ Parliamentary Democracy.
    ▪ Rigid and Flexible Structure.
    ▪ Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties.
    ▪ Directive Principles of State Policy.
    ▪ Federalism.
    ▪ Bicameral legislature.

28. Question: The democratic system existed in Athens is similar to modern democracy. Substantiate the statement.
    • Answer: The democratic system in Athens exhibited similarities to modern democracy in that all males over the age of 30, excluding slaves, were considered citizens. These citizens formed a committee that met four times a year to make decisions on important matters. However, it differed significantly from modern democracy in that women, artisans, and foreigners working as traders were not considered citizens.

V. Questions 29 to 30 (5 scores each)

29. Question: (A) Compare the ideas and principles of Jainism and Buddhism. OR (B) The basis for the progress of humans that we have seen today are the changes occurred during the Neolithic Age. Substantiate the statement.
    • Answer 29 (A): Comparison of Ideas and Principles of Jainism and Buddhism:
    ▪ Jainism Doctrines:
    • Belief that everything in this world has life and a strong emphasis on not harming any living being.
    • Birth and rebirth are determined by Karma.
    • Mahavira proposed three principles for attaining Moksha (salvation): Right Belief, Right Knowledge, and Right Action, collectively known as the Triratnas.
    • Jain monks are required to follow five vows: non-killing, non-stealing, truthfulness, non-possession of property, and celibacy.
    ▪ Buddhism Doctrines:
    • Central idea that life is full of sorrows.
    • Desire is identified as the cause of sorrow.
    • Sorrow will disappear if desire is destroyed.
    • To achieve this state, the Eight Fold Path (Ashtangamarga) should be followed.
    • Answer 29 (B): Neolithic Age changes as the basis for human progress:
    ▪ The Neolithic Age brought fundamental changes that laid the foundation for human progress:
    • The development of tools aided in tilling the soil, cutting wood, and plowing.
    • The advent of agriculture and animal husbandry ensured a stable availability of food products.
    • This stability led to the growth of settlements and agricultural villages.
    • The manufacture of clay pots and the use of bricks made efficient grain storage possible.
    • Society evolved from solely agricultural activities to other specialized occupations such as pottery and weaving.
    • Consequently, society became composed of various occupational groups, leading to a more complex and diversified social structure.

30. Question: (A) Answer the following questions related with the regional divisions of Himalayas. (i) Name the Himalayan region in between river Indus and river Kali. (ii) Mention the features of any two divisions of this region. OR (B) Identify the monsoon wind from which the Brahmaputra plain and the Northern plain receive sufficient rainfall. Give an account of this monsoon wind.
    • Answer 30 (A): Regional divisions of Himalayas:
    ▪ (i) The provided sources do not explicitly name a single Himalayan region that spans precisely between the Indus and Kali rivers. However, the Western Himalaya (Kashmir and Himachal Himalayas) and the Uttarakhand Himalaya are described within this broader geographic span.
    ▪ (ii) Features of two divisions of the Himalayas:
    • Western Himalaya – Kashmir Himalaya:
    ◦ Extends over nearly 3.5 lakh sq.km in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, measuring roughly 700 km long and 500 km wide.
    ◦ Important mountain ranges with snow-covered peaks, valleys, and hill ranges include Karakoram, Zaskar, Ladakh, and Pir Panjal.
    ◦ Mount K2 (Godwin Austin – 8611 metres), the world's second-highest peak, is located in the Karakoram range.
    ◦ Important glaciers like Siachen and Boltoro contribute to the River Indus and its tributaries (Ravi, Jhelam, Chenab).
    ◦ Mountain passes (e.g., Banihal Pass across the Pir Panjal Range connecting Jammu with the Kashmir Valley) facilitate movement.
    ◦ Features numerous freshwater lakes, with Dal Lake being prominent; Srinagar is situated on its banks.
    ◦ Margs (meadows formed along mountain slopes in summer, such as Sonmarg and Gulmarg) attract tourists for winter games like skiing when covered in snow.
    • Western Himalaya – Himachal Himalaya:
    ◦ The major portion lies within Himachal Pradesh.
    ◦ Important rivers include Chenab, Ravi, and Beas.
    ◦ Mountain ranges include Dhowladhar and Pir Panjal.
    ◦ Features several freshwater lakes like Chandratal and Surajtal.
    ◦ Important passes include Baralacha La Pass (connecting Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh) and Rohtang Pass (connecting Kulu Valley with Lahul and Spiti Valleys).
    ◦ Beautiful valleys like Kulu, Kangra, and Lahul, and tourist centers such as Shimla and Manali attract numerous visitors.
    ◦ Hot springs are also found in some places experiencing snowfall and mild winters.
    • Uttarakhand Himalaya:
    ◦ Home to peaks like Nandadevi, Kamet, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
    ◦ Features glaciers such as Gangotri and Yamunotri, and freshwater lakes like Nainital and Bhimtal.
    ◦ Duns, which are flat valleys between the Lesser Himalayas and the Shiwalik hill ranges (e.g., Dehradun), are a peculiarity of this region.
    ◦ Bugyals (alpine summer meadows like Dayara Bugyal and Gorson Bugyal) are also seen here.

• Answer 30 (B): Monsoon wind for Brahmaputra and Northern plains:
▪ The Brahmaputra Plain and the Northern Plain receive sufficient rainfall from the Bay of Bengal branch of the South West Monsoon wind.
▪ This branch enters the land via the Sundarbans delta region and bifurcates into two sub-branches.
▪ One sub-branch moves eastward, entering the Brahmaputra Plain and causing widespread rains.
▪ The other sub-branch moves westward along the Ganga Plain, bringing rainfall to West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, continuing further westward.
▪ Over the Punjab Plain, this westward branch merges with the Arabian branch (which runs parallel to the Aravali Mountains) and subsequently brings rain to the foothills of the Western Himalayas.