General Instructions
1. This question paper consists of four Sections - A, B, C and D.
2. Section A comprises 9 questions of 20 marks.
3. Section B comprises 10 questions of 20 marks.
4. Section C comprises 9 questions of 20 marks.
5. Section D comprises 10 questions of 20 marks.
6. All questions are compulsory.
7. Internal choice is provided in two questions of 2 marks each, two questions of 3 marks each and two questions of 5 marks each.
8. Marks allotted against each question are indicated in brackets.
9. Answers should be concise and to the point.
AHISTORY (20 Marks)
1
Which of the following statements best defines a nation as per Ernest Renan's understanding?(a) A common language and religion bind people together.(b) A nation is the culmination of a long past of endeavours, sacrifice, and devotion.(c) A nation is defined by a shared territory and a common race.(d) A nation is formed by shared economic interests and trade.
2
Who among the following artists prepared a series of prints in 1848 visualising his dream of a world made up of 'democratic and social Republics'?(a) Andreas Rebmann(b) Frédéric Sorrieu(c) J.V. Schley(d) Giovanni Fattori
3
The ‘Courier of the Rhineland’ losing all he has on his way home from Leipzig (1813) is a symbolic representation of:(a) Napoleon's victory in Germany.(b) The economic prosperity of the Rhineland region.(c) Napoleon's defeat and the territorial losses he incurred.(d) The unification of German states.
4
Which of the following statements best describes the role of print culture in India?(a) It solely helped in the spread of Western education.(b) It was primarily used to censor local languages.(c) It was instrumental in the spread of nationalist ideas and a sense of collective belonging.(d) It only supported colonial administration and its policies.
5
The demand for iron and steel increased rapidly in England in the:(a) 1730s(b) Late eighteenth century(c) 1860s(d) Early twentieth century
6
Explain the significance of the storming of the Bastille as depicted in historical narratives. 2marks
7
"The Age of Industrialisation was not just about the great machines." Examine this statement with reference to the pre-factory system of production. 3marks
OR
"Print culture played a pivotal role in the French Revolution." Analyse the statement with suitable examples.
8
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:"In 1920 Mahatma Gandhi and Shaukat Ali toured extensively, mobilising popular support for the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement. Many within the Congress were, however, concerned about the proposals. They were reluctant to boycott the council elections scheduled for November 1920, and they feared that the movement might lead to popular violence. In the months between September and November 1920, there was an intense debate within the Congress. Mahatma Gandhi argued that the movement should pass through the stages of non-cooperation to civil disobedience. He wanted to launch a full-fledged civil disobedience campaign if the government used repression. He believed that every boycott was a step towards a fuller non-violence."(a) What was the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement? (1 mark)(b) Why were some leaders within the Congress reluctant to boycott the council elections? (1 mark)(c) Explain Mahatma Gandhi's strategy for the Non-Cooperation Movement as described in the passage. 2marks
9
On the given outline map of Europe (Map I), identify and label any two of the following:(a) A region known for the presence of the Industrial Revolution.(b) The country unified under Bismarck.(c) The capital city of Belgium.
BGEOGRAPHY (20 Marks)
10
Which of the following is a characteristic of alluvial soil?(a) It is rich in humus and organic matter.(b) It is typically found in arid and semi-arid regions.(c) It contains various proportions of sand, silt, and clay.(d) It develops in areas with alternate wet and dry seasons.
11
Which of the following is a major challenge in water resource management in India?(a) Over-abundance of rainfall in all regions.(b) Unequal distribution of rainfall and increasing demand.(c) Lack of traditional water harvesting methods.(d) Excessive groundwater recharge in all areas.
12
Assertion (A): Conservation of minerals is crucial for the future development of industries.Reason (R): Minerals are non-renewable and their formation takes millions of years.(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.
13
Which of the following is a form of shifting cultivation practised in India?(a) Plantation farming(b) Jhumming(c) Commercial farming(d) Intensive subsistence farming
14
Why are pipelines considered an important mode of transportation for certain resources?(a) They are the fastest mode of transport for all goods.(b) They are suitable for carrying liquids and gases, and have low running costs.(c) They are easily constructed over all types of terrain.(d) They can carry both passengers and goods.
15
Explain the importance of the tertiary sector in the Indian economy. 2marks
16
"Soil erosion is a major threat to agriculture and the environment." Explain any two causes of soil erosion in India. 3marks
17
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:"The Green Revolution in Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan, supported by the availability of precipitation during winter months due to western temperate cyclones, has been a major success. Wheat and other Rabi crops have greatly benefited from this. However, this success has also led to certain ecological consequences such as depletion of groundwater and salinisation of soil due to excessive irrigation."(a) Name the main crops that benefited from the Green Revolution in the mentioned regions. (1 mark)(b) What is the role of western temperate cyclones in wheat cultivation? (1 mark)(c) Explain any two negative ecological consequences of the Green Revolution as mentioned in the passage. 2marks
18
On the given outline map of India (Map II):(a) Mark and label any one major seaport on the western coast.(b) Mark and label the state where Jowar is predominantly grown.(c) Mark and label the region where Bauxite is found in significant quantities.
CPOLITICAL SCIENCE (20 Marks)
19
Which of the following is a key feature of federalism?(a) Power is concentrated at the central level only.(b) Power is divided between different levels of government.(c) There is only one level of government.(d) The constitution can be unilaterally changed by the central government.
20
Which of the following is a challenge related to communalism in politics?(a) Promoting inter-religious harmony(b) Encouraging political competition based on religious lines(c) Ensuring equal rights for all religions(d) Strengthening the secular fabric of the nation
21
Which of the following best describes the outcome of democracy regarding economic development?(a) Democracies always ensure rapid and equal economic growth.(b) Democracies can create conditions for development but do not guarantee it.(c) Dictatorships are always more economically developed than democracies.(d) Economic inequality does not exist in democracies.
22
Assertion (A): Political parties play a crucial role in a democracy.Reason (R): They provide a platform for citizens to express their political views and contest elections.(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.
23
Explain the importance of the judiciary in a democracy. 2marks
24
"The system of power sharing in Belgium is complex but has been effective." Elaborate on this statement. 3marks
25
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:"In India, there are about 36 lakh elected representatives in the Panchayats and Municipalities etc., all over the country. This number is bigger than the population of many countries in the world. Local governments are the largest experiment in democracy conducted anywhere in the world. Decentralisation of power to the local government has strengthened democracy by giving more voice to the common people and ensuring greater participation in decision-making at the local level."(a) What is meant by decentralisation of power? (1 mark)(b) How has decentralisation strengthened democracy in India? (1 mark)(c) Explain any two benefits of having elected representatives at the local level. 2marks
26
(a) How does federalism promote national unity and integration? OR(b) Explain the role of women in politics and their struggle for equal representation. 5marks
DECONOMICS (20 Marks)
27
Which of the following is a characteristic of the unorganised sector?(a) Job security(b) Fixed working hours(c) Lack of social security(d) Paid overtime
28
Which of the following is NOT a developmental goal for all categories of people?(a) More income(b) Equal treatment(c) Freedom(d) Higher consumption for a select few
29
Which of the following is an example of a tertiary sector activity?(a) Agriculture(b) Manufacturing(c) Banking(d) Mining
30
Assertion (A): Globalisation has led to increased competition among producers.Reason (R): The removal of trade barriers has made it easier for foreign goods to enter domestic markets.(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.
31
Distinguish between the organised and unorganised sectors of employment. 2marks
32
Explain the role of credit in economic development. Give an example. 3marks
33
"Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play a vital role in empowering rural women and promoting their economic independence." Elaborate on this statement. 3marks
34
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:"The liberalization of foreign trade and investment policies in 1991 was the first step towards globalisation. The government, by removing barriers on foreign trade and investment, made it easier for foreign companies to set up factories and offices in India. It also made it easier for Indian companies to trade with other countries. Initially, consumers benefited from more choices of goods at lower prices. However, the competition from foreign goods also adversely affected small producers and workers in certain sectors."(a) What does the term 'liberalisation' refer to in the context of the Indian economy in 1991? (1 mark)(b) How did the removal of barriers on foreign trade and investment facilitate globalisation? (1 mark)(c) Explain any two impacts of these changes on Indian consumers and producers. 2marks
35
(a) "Globalisation has led to increased inequalities within developing countries." Analyse this statement. OR(b) "Consumers have rights against unfair trade practices." Explain any three such rights. 5marks
Answer Key
AHISTORY
1
(b) A nation is the culmination of a long past of endeavours, sacrifice, and devotion.
2
(b) Frédéric Sorrieu
3
(c) Napoleon's defeat and the territorial losses he incurred.
4
(c) It was instrumental in the spread of nationalist ideas and a sense of collective belonging.
5
(c) 1860s
6
The storming of the Bastille symbolised the people's defiance against the monarchy's arbitrary power and oppression, marking a significant turning point in the French Revolution.
7
Before factories, production happened in homes or small workshops, often controlled by merchants who supplied raw materials and took finished goods. This system, known as the 'putting-out system' or proto-industrialisation, involved skilled artisans and spinners, and while not 'great machines', it was a significant form of industrial production.ORPrint culture helped spread ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity through newspapers, pamphlets, and books. It allowed revolutionaries to critique the monarchy, disseminate revolutionary ideals, and mobilise public opinion, directly contributing to the revolution.
8
(a) The passage refers to the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement.(b) Peasants and tribals were agitated due to high taxes, demand for grains for cities, restrictions on forest resources, and the commercialisation of agriculture which often displaced them.(c) The demand to abolish the salt tax was significant because salt was a basic necessity consumed by both the rich and the poor. Taxing it disproportionately affected the poor, making its abolition a powerful symbol of challenging British economic exploitation and rallying diverse sections of society.
9
Map I:(a) [Label any area controlled by Napoleon, e.g., France, parts of Italy, Germany](b) [Label a country not in Allied Powers, e.g., Germany, Italy, Japan](c) [Label a city like Venice or Frankfurt]
BGEOGRAPHY
10
(c) It contains various proportions of sand, silt, and clay.
11
(b) Unequal distribution of rainfall and increasing demand.
12
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
13
(b) Jhumming
14
(b) They are suitable for carrying liquids and gases, and have low running costs.
15
The tertiary sector provides essential services like transport, communication, banking, education, and healthcare, which support the primary and secondary sectors. Its growth fuels economic development and improves the quality of life.
16
Two causes of soil erosion are:
1
Deforestation: Removal of forest cover exposes the soil to wind and rain, leading to erosion.
2
Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by livestock removes vegetation, leaving the soil unprotected.
3
Mining: Mining activities disturb the land surface and expose soil to erosion.
4
Faulty methods of farming: Ploughing up and down the slopes instead of along the contours can create channels for water to flow faster, leading to erosion.
17
(a) Wheat and other Rabi crops.(b) Western temperate cyclones bring precipitation during winter months, which is crucial for the successful growth of wheat and other Rabi crops.(c) Two negative ecological consequences are:
1
Depletion of groundwater due to excessive irrigation.
2
Salinisation of soil, also caused by excessive irrigation.
18
Map II:(a) [Label any major seaport on the western coast, e.g., Kandla, Mumbai, Marmagao, New Mangalore, Kochi](b) [Label Maharashtra or Rajasthan](c) [Label a region in Odisha or Jharkhand]
CPOLITICAL SCIENCE
19
(b) Power is divided between different levels of government.
20
(b) Encouraging political competition based on religious lines
21
(b) Democracies can create conditions for development but do not guarantee it.
22
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
23
The judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution and fundamental rights. It interprets laws, settles disputes between citizens and the government or between different governments, and ensures that the government functions according to the Constitution, thereby upholding justice and the rule of law.
24
The Belgian model involved creating a federal system with the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities having equal representation in the central government. Additionally, a third 'community government' was formed to manage cultural, educational, and language-related issues, reflecting the diversity and enabling peaceful coexistence.
25
(a) Decentralisation of power means transferring power from the central and state governments to local government bodies.(b) It has strengthened democracy by ensuring greater participation of ordinary citizens in decision-making and giving a voice to local communities.(c) Two benefits are:
1
Better understanding of local needs and problems, leading to more effective solutions.
2
Increased accountability of local representatives to the people.
3
More efficient use of resources as decisions are made closer to the people.
26
(a) Federalism promotes national unity by respecting regional diversity and allowing states to have autonomy in certain matters, while the central government handles national issues. This division of power prevents the domination of one region over others and encourages cooperation, fostering a sense of shared nationhood.OR(b) Women have been historically underrepresented in politics. Their struggle for equal representation involves advocating for reservations in legislatures, challenging patriarchal norms, and increasing their participation in political activities and decision-making processes, thereby enhancing democratic inclusivity.
DECONOMICS
27
(c) Lack of social security
28
(d) Higher consumption for a select few
29
(c) Banking
30
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).31.Organised Sector: Characterised by regular employment, fixed working hours, job security, paid leave, and social security benefits like provident fund and gratuity. Activities are registered with the government.Unorganised Sector: Characterised by low wages, irregular employment, no job security, no paid leave, and little or no social security. Most workers are self-employed or work as casual labourers.
32
Credit is essential for economic development as it allows individuals and businesses to undertake productive activities they otherwise couldn't afford. For instance, a farmer can take a loan to buy seeds and fertilisers to increase crop yield, thereby boosting income and contributing to the agricultural sector.
33
SHGs are small, informal groups of women who save regularly and pool their savings. They provide small loans to their members at reasonable interest rates for various purposes like starting small businesses, meeting household needs, or overcoming financial emergencies. This access to credit empowers women, enhances their decision-making power, and promotes collective action for economic upliftment.
34
(a) Liberalisation refers to the policies introduced in 1991 that reduced government controls and restrictions on economic activities, particularly on foreign trade and investment.(b) By removing barriers like tariffs and quotas on imports and allowing foreign companies to invest in India, it facilitated globalisation by enabling easier movement of goods, services, and capital across national borders.(c) Two impacts are:
1
Consumers benefited from a wider variety of goods and services at potentially lower prices due to increased competition.
2
Small domestic producers faced stiff competition from foreign companies, which could lead to challenges in survival and reduced employment in some sectors.
35
(a) Globalisation, while increasing overall economic growth, has often led to increased income inequality within developing countries. Multinational corporations (MNCs) may benefit the most, leading to a concentration of wealth. Small producers and workers in certain sectors might struggle to compete with foreign firms, leading to job losses or lower wages. This widens the gap between the rich and the poor.OR(b) Consumers have the following rights:
1
Right to Safety: Protection against the marketing of goods and services that are hazardous to life and property.
2
Right to Information: To be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services.
3
Right to Choose: To have access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
4
Right to be Heard: To be heard and to be assured that consumer interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.
5
Right to Seek Redressal: To seek redressal against unfair trade practices or restrictive trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.
6
Right to Consumer Education: To acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed consumer.
