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
Who among the following artists visualised a world made up of 'democratic and social Republics' in a series of four prints in 1848?(a) Andreas Rebmann(b) Frédéric Sorrieu(c) J.V. Schley(d) Ernst Renan
2
Which of the following was a key idea of the French philosopher Ernst Renan regarding the formation of a nation?(a) A common language is essential for nationhood.(b) A nation is formed by a common race and territory.(c) A nation is the culmination of a long past of endeavours, sacrifice and devotion.(d) A nation is based on shared religious beliefs.
3
The 'Courier of the Rhineland' losing his letters on his way back from Leipzig is a symbolic representation of:(a) The success of Napoleon's administrative policies.(b) The rapid spread of new ideas across Europe.(c) Napoleon's defeat and loss of territories.(d) The economic hardship faced by French merchants.
4
Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the defeat of Napoleon in 1815?(a) The Congress of Vienna was convened.(b) A conservative regime was set up in Europe.(c) Liberalism and nationalism were completely suppressed.(d) European powers drew up a settlement for Europe.
5
Which of the following was a significant feature of the ‘Swadeshi’ movement in India?(a) Boycott of council elections(b) Emphasis on indigenous industries and products(c) Demand for full independence(d) Violent protests against British rule
6
Explain the significance of the invention of the movable type printing machine in Europe. 2marks
7
"Nationalism in India developed through a movement to revive Indian folklore." Explain the statement with reference to the nationalist movement in India. 3marks
OR
"The spread of print culture in Europe led to the Reformation." Analyse the statement with suitable examples.
8
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:"The colonial government in India arbitrarily reserved vast forest areas to provide timber for its own purposes. As a result, local people, including the hill people, were prevented from entering the forests to graze their cattle, or to collect fuelwood and fruits. This enraged the hill people. Not only were their livelihoods affected but they felt that their traditional rights were being denied. When the government began forcing them to contribute begar for road building, the hill people revolted."(a) Which forest-related law or policy is being alluded to in the passage? (1 mark)(b) What were the consequences of this policy for the local hill people? (1 mark)(c) Explain how such grievances led to revolts and contributed to the rise of nationalism in India. 2marks
9
On the given outline map of Europe (Map I), identify and label any two of the following:(a) A country that played a major role in the unification of Germany.(b) The capital city of Austria, where the Congress of Vienna was held.(c) The region liberated from Ottoman rule in 1821.
BGEOGRAPHY (20 Marks)
10
Which of the following is the primary raw material for the cement industry?(a) Coal(b) Iron Ore(c) Limestone(d) Bauxite
11
Which of the following is the most widespread and important soil in the Northern Plains of India?(a) Black Soil(b) Red Soil(c) Laterite Soil(d) Alluvial Soil
12
Assertion (A): Water is a renewable resource.Reason (R): Water is renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle.(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 major non-ferrous metallic mineral found in India?(a) Iron Ore(b) Mica(c) Bauxite(d) Coal
14
Why is the practice of 'rat-hole mining' in Meghalaya problematic?(a) It is too expensive and requires advanced technology.(b) It is done by individuals or communities, not by the government, leading to environmental damage.(c) It is highly regulated and inefficient.(d) It is only practised for mining coal, not other minerals.
15
Explain any two reasons for the degradation of land in India. 2marks
16
"The textile industry is a key industry in India." Justify this statement with any two arguments. 3marks
17
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:"Rainwater harvesting is a viable alternative, both socio-economically and environmentally. In ancient India, along with sophisticated hydraulic structures, there existed an extraordinary tradition of water harvesting systems. People had in-depth knowledge of rainfall regimes and soil types and developed wide-ranging techniques to harvest rainwater, groundwater, river water and flood water in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. In hill and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like the ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ of the Western Himalayas. Rooftop rainwater harvesting is widely practiced in the Shillong and Pynsyrlain areas in Meghalaya, as it is stored in the underground tanks for roof collection."(a) What is meant by 'viable alternative' in the context of water conservation? (1 mark)(b) Name any two traditional water harvesting techniques mentioned in the passage. (1 mark)(c) Explain the importance of rooftop rainwater harvesting, using the example from Meghalaya. 2marks
18
On the given outline map of India (Map II):(a) Identify and label the state which is the largest producer of bauxite in India.(b) Identify and label the region where the Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur iron ore belt is located.(c) Identify and label the location of the thermal power plant at Rawat Bhata.
CPOLITICAL SCIENCE (20 Marks)
19
Which of the following is NOT a reason for the conflict between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka?(a) Imposition of Sinhala as the official language.(b) Constitutional protection for Buddhism.(c) Preferential policies for Tamils in government jobs and education.(d) Denial of political rights to the Tamil community.
20
In Belgium, what was the arrangement made for power sharing between the Dutch and French speaking communities in Brussels?(a) The majority French speaking population ruled the city.(b) An equal number of Dutch and French speaking ministers were appointed in the central government.(c) Both communities agreed to have a single official language for the city.(d) The Dutch speaking community was given dominance in the capital.
21
What is the primary goal of a political party?(a) To educate the public on political issues.(b) To contest elections and hold power in the government.(c) To act as a check on the ruling party.(d) To represent the interests of minority groups only.
22
Which of the following is an outcome of democracy that is often debated and questioned?(a) Protection of human rights(b) Regular free and fair elections(c) Economic growth and reduction of inequality(d) Accommodation of social diversity
23
Which of the following is NOT a feature of federalism?(a) Division of powers between different levels of government.(b) A single level of government with supreme power.(c) Written constitution with a division of powers.(d) Independent judiciary to interpret the constitution.
24
Explain any two reasons why power sharing is desirable in a democracy. 2marks
25
"Caste politics can lead to social divisions and tensions." Explain the statement. 3marks
26
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:"In India, the Constitution provides for a secular state. This means that the state treats all religions equally. There is no official religion of the state. Citizens are free to profess, practice and propagate any religion they choose. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion. However, the state can intervene in religious affairs to ensure equality and prevent discrimination. For instance, it bans untouchability."(a) What does it mean for a state to be secular? (1 mark)(b) How does the Indian Constitution promote religious freedom? (1 mark)(c) Explain how the state can intervene in religious matters to ensure equality, citing an example from the passage. 2marks
27
(a) Examine the role of political parties in forming and running a government. 5marks
OR
(b) Analyse the challenges faced by democracy in ensuring gender equality.
DECONOMICS (20 Marks)
28
Which of the following is NOT a criterion for measuring development as discussed in the chapter 'Development'?(a) Per capita income(b) Literacy rate(c) Infant mortality rate(d) Population density
29
Which of the following sectors has the highest share in the GDP of India?(a) Primary sector(b) Secondary sector(c) Tertiary sector(d) Quaternary sector
30
What is the main function of money?(a) To measure the value of goods and services.(b) To act as a medium of exchange.(c) To provide credit and loans.(d) To facilitate international trade.
31
Which of the following is a characteristic of the organised sector of employment?(a) Lack of job security(b) Low wages(c) Fixed working hours and job security(d) No provision for overtime pay
32
Which of the following terms refers to the integration between countries through foreign trade and foreign investment?(a) Liberalisation(b) Nationalisation(c) Privatisation(d) Globalisation
33
Explain the difference between the organised and unorganised sectors of employment. 2marks
34
"Credit can be a blessing or a curse for development." Explain this statement with reference to different types of credit. 3marks
35
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:"In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the variety of goods available in the markets. These goods are produced by different countries. Foreign trade is the main channel connecting distant countries. It was through trade that raw materials, food stuffs and finished goods were exchanged. This was before large companies called multinational corporations (MNCs) came into existence. Trade was the main channel connecting distant countries. For example, Indian spices were exported and goods from other countries were imported in India."(a) What is the main channel connecting distant countries as mentioned in the passage? (1 mark)(b) How did trade contribute to the exchange of goods between countries? (1 mark)(c) Explain how the entry of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) has transformed foreign trade. 2marks
36
(a) Analyse the role of 'Self-Help Groups' (SHGs) in providing credit and promoting rural development. 5marks
OR
(b) Examine the impact of globalisation on the Indian economy, highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks.
Answer Key
AHISTORY
1
(b) To restore the old order
2
(c) A nation is the culmination of a long past of endeavours, sacrifice and devotion.
3
(c) Napoleon's defeat and loss of territories.
4
(d) The Great Depression leading to economic hardship
5
(b) Emphasis on indigenous industries and products
6
The movable type printing machine made mass production of books possible at a lower cost, increasing their availability and spread of knowledge and new ideas.
7
The nationalist movement in India saw the revival of Indian folklore, songs, and symbols to create a sense of collective belonging and national identity. For instance, the collection of folk tales by Rani Lakshmibai by Natesa Sastri or the singing of 'Vande Mataram' by Rabindranath Tagore aimed at fostering nationalism.ORPrint culture helped spread Martin Luther's ideas against the Catholic Church, leading to the Reformation. His ‘Ninety Five Theses’ were printed and widely distributed, sparking religious debate and challenging established doctrines.
8
(a) Forest Act / Forest policies restricting access.(b) Their livelihoods were affected; they were denied traditional rights; they were forced to contribute begar.(c) The denial of traditional rights and livelihoods, coupled with forced labour, created widespread resentment among the hill people, which manifested in revolts and contributed to the broader anti-colonial nationalist sentiment.
9
(Map identification and labelling - specific locations to be marked on the map)
BGEOGRAPHY
10
(c) Limestone
11
(d) Alluvial Soil
12
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
13
(c) Bauxite
14
(b) It is done by individuals or communities, not by the government, leading to environmental damage.
15
Two reasons for land degradation: (i) Deforestation: Removal of tree cover leads to soil erosion. (ii) Overgrazing: Cattle strip the grass, leading to soil erosion. (iii) Mining: Mining activities expose the land to erosion and pollution. (iv) Over-irrigation: In areas like Punjab and Haryana, over-irrigation leads to salinisation of soil.
16
The textile industry is a key industry in India because: (i) It contributes significantly to industrial production and employment generation. (ii) It is self-reliant, covering the entire value chain from raw material to finished goods. (iii) It earns significant foreign exchange through exports.
17
(a) 'Viable alternative' means a practical and sustainable option that is beneficial both socially and environmentally.(b) Two traditional water harvesting techniques mentioned are diversion channels like ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ and sophisticated hydraulic structures.(c) Rooftop rainwater harvesting in Meghalaya allows families to store water in underground tanks, reducing dependence on external sources and ensuring water availability, especially in areas with limited natural water resources.
18
(Map identification and labelling - specific locations to be marked on the map)
CPOLITICAL SCIENCE
19
(c) Preferential policies for Tamils in government jobs and education.
20
(b) An equal number of Dutch and French speaking ministers were appointed in the central government.
21
(b) To contest elections and hold power in the government.
22
(c) Economic growth and reduction of inequality
23
(b) A single level of government with supreme power.
24
Two reasons why power sharing is desirable: (i) It reduces the possibility of conflict and promotes stability by accommodating diversities. (ii) It enhances the participation of people in decision-making, leading to better governance and legitimacy.
25
Caste politics often involves mobilising people on the basis of caste identity, leading to divisions, competition, and sometimes conflict between different caste groups. This can manifest in electoral politics and social tensions.
26
(a) A secular state means a state that treats all religions equally and does not have an official religion.(b) The Indian Constitution promotes religious freedom by allowing citizens to profess, practice, and propagate any religion of their choice and prohibiting discrimination on religious grounds.(c) The state can intervene to ensure equality within religious communities, for example, by banning discriminatory practices like untouchability, even though it is a religious practice.
27
(a) Political parties are crucial for forming and running a government. They contest elections, form governments (either individually or in coalition), formulate policies and programmes, provide a platform for public debate, and hold the government accountable to the people. They act as intermediaries between the people and the government, translating public demands into policies.OR(b) Democracy faces challenges in ensuring gender equality due to: (i) Patriarchal attitudes limiting women's participation in public life and decision-making. (ii) Low representation of women in legislatures and positions of power. (iii) Persistence of gender-based discrimination in social and economic spheres, affecting women's dignity and equal treatment.
DECONOMICS
28
(d) Population density
29
(c) Tertiary sector
30
(b) To act as a medium of exchange.
31
(c) Fixed working hours and job security
32
(d) Globalisation
33
Organised sector employment is characterised by fixed working hours, job security, and benefits like paid leave and provident fund. Unorganised sector employment is largely unregulated, with low wages, lack of job security, and minimal benefits.
34
Credit can be a blessing when it helps individuals invest in productive activities (like Swapna initially planned) or purchase assets, leading to increased income and improved living standards. However, it can be a curse if the borrower is trapped in debt due to high interest rates, failure of the venture (like Swapna's crop failure), or exploitative lenders, leading to a debt trap and worse economic conditions.
35
(a) Foreign trade.(b) Trade allowed for the exchange of raw materials, food stuffs, and finished goods between countries, connecting distant markets.(c) MNCs have transformed foreign trade by setting up production units in countries where labour is cheap, increasing the volume of trade, controlling a large part of it, and integrating markets through foreign investment and technology transfer.
36
(a) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) provide a platform for members, especially women, to save regularly and pool their savings. These groups then provide loans to members at reasonable interest rates for various purposes like starting small businesses, purchasing seeds, or meeting emergencies. This access to formal credit empowers them, promotes entrepreneurship, and contributes to rural development by improving economic independence and social status.OR(b) Globalisation has benefited the Indian economy by increasing access to a wider variety of goods and services, attracting foreign investment, boosting technology transfer, and creating new job opportunities, particularly in the service sector. However, it has also led to increased competition for domestic producers, potential exploitation of workers, and widening economic disparities between the rich and the poor, requiring fair policies to ensure benefits reach all sections of society.
