General Instructions:
- The question paper comprises Six Sections: A, B, C, D, E and F.
- There are 37 questions in total.
- All questions are compulsory.
- Section A contains Questions 1–20. Each question carries 1 mark.
- Section B contains Questions 21–24. Each question carries 2 marks.
- Section C contains Questions 25–29. Each question carries 3 marks.
- Section D contains Questions 30–33. Each question carries 5 marks.
- Section E contains Questions 34–36. Each case-based question carries 4 marks.
- Section F contains Question 37, carrying 5 marks, based on map skills.
- Internal choices are provided in selected questions.
Reason (R): It gives different groups a stake in the functioning of government. [1]
(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.
Reason (R): Banks provide loans at rates and conditions regulated within the formal financial system. [1]
(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.
In nineteenth-century Europe, nationalism was closely connected with the idea of the nation-state. Artists, poets and writers helped create a sense of shared identity. Romanticism emphasised emotions, folk traditions and cultural heritage. Music, poetry and stories often celebrated the history and traditions of particular communities. The use of vernacular languages also became an important means of expressing national identity. In many regions, these cultural developments strengthened the desire for political unity and independence.
(b) How did vernacular languages contribute to nationalism? [1]
(c) Explain two ways in which culture contributed to the growth of nationalism in Europe. [2]
Manufacturing industries are essential for the economic development of a country. They transform raw materials into finished products and create employment opportunities. Industries also contribute to exports and earn foreign exchange. However, industrialisation can create environmental problems such as air and water pollution, waste generation and degradation of natural resources. Cleaner technologies, proper waste treatment and efficient use of energy can reduce the environmental impact of industrial production.
(b) How do industries contribute to foreign exchange earnings? [1]
(c) Explain two environmental problems caused by industries. [2]
In a federal system, power is divided between different levels of government. In India, the Constitution provides separate areas of jurisdiction for the Union and State governments. Local governments were given constitutional recognition through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. These reforms strengthened local self-government and encouraged people’s participation in decision-making. Reservation of seats for women and disadvantaged groups has also increased representation at the local level.
(b) Why is local government important in a federal democracy? [1]
(c) Explain two benefits of decentralisation. [2]
Identify the following places on the outline political map of India:
A. The place associated with the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
B. The place associated with the movement of indigo cultivators led by Mahatma Gandhi. [2]
(b) Geography Map Item – 3 Marks
Locate and label ANY THREE of the following:
(i) Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant – Maharashtra
(ii) Talcher Thermal Power Plant – Odisha
(iii) Visakhapatnam Major Sea Port – Andhra Pradesh
(iv) Paradip Major Sea Port – Odisha [3]
- The Bourbon monarchy was associated with absolute rule and lacked adequate representation of the people.
- The Third Estate faced heavy taxation and social inequality while privileged estates enjoyed several advantages.
- Subsistence farming: Production is mainly for the farmer’s family and local consumption.
- Commercial farming: Crops are grown mainly for sale in the market and may involve modern inputs and larger-scale production.
OR
Belgium adopted power sharing to accommodate its linguistic communities and prevent conflict between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking populations. [2]
- Folk songs and legends helped people discover and celebrate their common cultural heritage.
- Romantic artists and writers promoted national feelings through poetry, music and literature.
- Vernacular languages helped create a common cultural identity and strengthened nationalist sentiments.
- Improved machinery increased production and efficiency.
- Better transport and communication facilitated the movement of raw materials and finished goods.
- Modern sources of power such as electricity supported large-scale industrial production.
- Competition from synthetic substitutes affected the demand for cotton products.
- Power supply and infrastructure problems may increase production costs.
- International competition can create pressure on Indian textile producers.
- Local governments allow people to participate directly in decisions affecting their communities.
- Local institutions can address local problems according to local needs.
- Decentralisation reduces the burden on higher levels of government and improves administrative efficiency.
- Employment conditions: Organised workers generally receive greater job security, while unorganised workers often lack security.
- Benefits: Organised workers may receive paid leave and social security benefits, unlike many unorganised workers.
- Regulation: Organised establishments follow government rules and regulations more systematically.
- Consumers get access to a wider variety of goods and services.
- Competition among producers can improve quality and reduce prices.
- Consumers gain access to newer technologies and products.
- The Simon Commission was opposed because it had no Indian member.
- The Lahore Congress of 1929 declared the goal of Purna Swaraj.
- 26 January 1930 was observed as Independence Day.
- Gandhi presented a set of demands to the British government, including abolition of the salt tax.
- When the demands were not accepted, Gandhi launched the Salt March from Sabarmati to Dandi and began the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Defence expenditure increased and taxes were raised to finance the war.
- Prices of essential goods increased sharply.
- Forced recruitment created resentment in rural areas.
- Crop failures and the influenza epidemic created severe hardship.
- These conditions contributed to growing opposition to colonial rule.
- Afforestation and proper management of grazing can reduce soil erosion.
- Planting shelter belts helps check wind erosion.
- Contour ploughing reduces the speed of water flow on slopes.
- Terrace farming helps prevent soil erosion in hilly regions.
- Strip cropping and proper irrigation practices can reduce soil degradation.
- Wells and tube wells: Provide reliable irrigation where groundwater is available.
- Canals: Supply water to large agricultural areas, especially in river plains.
- Tank irrigation: Stores rainwater and is important in areas with suitable natural depressions.
- Irrigation reduces dependence on the monsoon.
- It enables multiple cropping and increases agricultural productivity.
- The rise of regional political parties increased the importance of state-level political interests.
- Coalition governments at the Centre encouraged consultation with state governments.
- Constitutional provisions relating to Centre-State relations became more significant.
- Local governments received constitutional status through the 73rd and 74th Amendments.
- Greater political participation of regional groups strengthened the federal spirit.
- People elect their representatives through regular elections.
- Citizens have political rights and equal voting rights.
- Government decisions are taken according to constitutional rules.
- Fundamental rights protect citizens from arbitrary government action.
- The government remains accountable to the people.
- Development improves income, living standards and access to facilities.
- Excessive use of natural resources can damage the environment.
- Resources such as minerals and fossil fuels are limited.
- Environmental degradation can harm the well-being of future generations.
- Sustainable development balances present needs with the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
- Consumers have access to a greater variety of products.
- Competition encourages producers to improve quality.
- Prices may become more competitive.
- New technologies and international brands become more accessible.
- Consumers also need to make informed choices because aggressive marketing may influence demand.
- (a) Romanticism emphasised emotions, intuition, folk traditions and cultural heritage. [1]
- (b) Vernacular languages helped people develop a common cultural identity and express nationalist ideas. [1]
- (c) Folk traditions created a shared cultural past, while literature, music and art spread ideas of national unity. [2]
- (a) Manufacturing industries create direct and indirect employment in factories, transport, trade and related activities. [1]
- (b) Industries export manufactured goods and thereby earn foreign exchange. [1]
- (c) Industries may cause air pollution through harmful emissions and water pollution through untreated industrial waste. [2]
- (a) The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. [1]
- (b) Local government brings decision-making closer to the people and helps address local needs. [1]
- (c) Decentralisation increases people’s participation and makes administration more responsive to local problems. [2]
- A – Amritsar, Punjab
- B – Champaran, Bihar
- Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant – Maharashtra
- Talcher Thermal Power Plant – Odisha
- Visakhapatnam Major Sea Port – Andhra Pradesh
- Paradip Major Sea Port – Odisha
