General Instructions
1. This question paper consists of four Sections: A, B, C, and D.
2. Section A - History: Questions 1-9.
3. Section B - Geography: Questions 10-19.
4. Section C - Political Science: Questions 20-28.
5. Section D - Economics: Questions 29-38.
6. All questions are compulsory.
7. Section A carries 20 marks, Section B carries 20 marks, Section C carries 20 marks and Section D carries 20 marks.
8. There is no overall choice in the question paper. However, internal choice has been provided in some questions.
9. Draw neat diagrams wherever necessary.
AHISTORY (20 Marks)
MCQs (1 mark each):
1
Which of the following best describes the primary focus of 'Cultural Evolution' for early humans?(a) Gradual physical and genetic changes leading to Homo sapiens.(b) Adaptation to their environment and development of new ways of living.(c) The discovery and use of fire for cooking and warmth.(d) The development of sophisticated stone tools for hunting.
2
The concept of 'chakravarti samrāṭ' in ancient Indian governance idealised:(a) A ruler who focused solely on religious duties.(b) A ruler who could conquer and unite a large territory under a single political entity.(c) A king who strictly followed Vedic rituals and sacrifices.(d) A leader chosen by the community through popular vote.
3
The early civilization that flourished along the Yangtze River is:(a) Mesopotamian(b) Egyptian(c) Indus-Sarasvati(d) Chinese
4
Which of the following kingdoms was NOT part of the tripartite struggle for control over Kannauj?(a) Gurjara-Pratiharas(b) Palas(c) Rashtrakutas(d) Guptas
Very Short Answer (2 marks):
5
What is the significance of oral tradition in understanding early human history, especially when written records are absent?
Short Answer (3 marks):
6
Explain the role of 'dāna' (gifts) and other societal contributions expected from the 'Vaishya' varna in ancient Indian society.ORDiscuss the impact of 'dharma' as a guiding principle in governance and social values up to 1000 CE in India.
Long Answer (5 marks):
7
Describe the key differences between the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods in terms of tools, settlements, and subsistence strategies.ORExplain how early civilizations like the Indus-Sarasvati, Mesopotamian, and Egyptian civilizations developed independently yet shared common features related to their geography and resources.
Case-Based Question (4 marks):
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
"The development of agriculture marked a significant turning point in human history, often referred to as the Neolithic Revolution. In the Indian subcontinent, sites like Mehrgarh in the northwest became prominent early agricultural villages around 7000 BCE. People there built houses from sun-dried bricks, stored grains, and developed new tools for farming. This shift from hunting and gathering to settled farming allowed for population growth and the eventual development of complex societies and urban centres."
8
(i) What is meant by the 'Neolithic Revolution'? 1mark(ii) Name an early agricultural village in the Indian subcontinent mentioned in the passage. (1 mark)(iii) How did the shift to settled farming at places like Mehrgarh contribute to the development of complex societies? (2 marks)
Map-based Question (2 marks):
9
On the given political map of India, locate and label the following:(i) Lothal(ii) Thanjavur
BGEOGRAPHY (20 Marks)
MCQs (1 mark each):
10
The process by which wind removes and transports loose materials from the surface is called:(a) Weathering(b) Deposition(c) Deflation(d) Abrasion
11
Which layer of the atmosphere is known for its extremely thin air and is the outermost layer?(a) Thermosphere(b) Mesosphere(c) Stratosphere(d) Exosphere
12
Which of the following landforms is created by the deposition of sediment at the mouth of a river?(a) Waterfall(b) Delta(c) Meander(d) Cliff
13
High pressure areas are generally associated with:(a) Cloudy skies and wet weather(b) Strong winds and storms(c) Clear and sunny skies(d) Fog and mist
14
The north-east monsoon winds generally blow from:(a) The sea towards the land(b) The land towards the sea(c) West to East(d) North to South
Assertion-Reason Questions (1 mark each):
15
Assertion (A): Glacial lakes can pose a risk of catastrophic floods (GLOFs).Reason (R): Rapid melting of glaciers due to rising temperatures increases the water level and pressure on glacial lake dams.(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.
Very Short Answer (2 marks):
16
What is the role of the ozone layer in the stratosphere?
Long Answer (5 marks):
17
Explain the factors that influence the climate of a place, using examples to illustrate the impact of latitude, altitude, and distance from the sea.ORDescribe the various types of plate boundaries (convergent, divergent, and transform) and the landforms and geological phenomena associated with each.
Case-Based Question (4 marks):
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
"Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges facing the Earth today. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to a rise in global temperatures. This warming trend results in more frequent floods, droughts, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels, impacting ecosystems and human life."
18
(i) Name two greenhouse gases mentioned in the passage. 1mark(ii) How do greenhouse gases contribute to climate change? (1 mark)(iii) List two potential consequences of climate change mentioned in the passage. (2 marks)
Map-based Question (3 marks):
19
On the given outline map of India, mark and label the following:(i) A region prone to dust storms. (1 mark)(ii) Name any two states that experience the retreating monsoon in October-December. (2 x 1/2 mark = 1 mark)(iii) A major mountain range that influences India's climate. 1mark
CPOLITICAL SCIENCE (20 Marks)
Assertion-Reason Questions (1 mark each):
20
Assertion (A): Democracy requires active citizen participation beyond just voting.Reason (R): Institutions like the Gram Sabha provide a platform for direct citizen involvement in local governance.(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.
MCQs (1 mark each):
21
Which of the following is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution?(a) Right to Property(b) Right to Information(c) Right to Equality(d) Right to work
22
In a representative democracy, citizens:(a) Directly participate in all decision-making.(b) Elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.(c) Are not involved in the functioning of the government.(d) Hold absolute power to pass laws.
23
The system of government where power is divided between the Union and State governments is called:(a) Unitary system(b) Presidential system(c) Federalism(d) Parliamentary system
Very Short Answer (2 marks each):
24
What is meant by 'Universal Adult Franchise'?
25
Explain the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy.
Short Answer (3 marks):
26
Describe any three features of the Indian electoral system that aim to ensure free and fair elections.
Long Answer (5 marks):
27
Discuss the various challenges faced by democracy in India, referring to at least three key issues.ORExplain the significance of Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties for citizens in a democracy like India.
Case-Based Question (4 marks):
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
"The Constitution of India guarantees certain fundamental rights to its citizens. These rights are essential for the overall development of individuals and ensure that the government does not exercise arbitrary power. For instance, the Right to Equality ensures that no citizen is discriminated against on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Similarly, the Right to Freedom allows citizens to express their opinions freely, assemble peacefully, and form associations."
28
(i) Name one other fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, apart from the Right to Equality and Freedom. 1mark(ii) Why are fundamental rights considered essential for a democracy? (1 mark)(iii) How does the Right to Equality contribute to social justice in India? (2 marks)
DECONOMICS (20 Marks)
MCQs (1 mark each):
29
Factors used in the production of goods and services are called:(a) Wants(b) Needs(c) Resources(d) Opportunity costs
30
If a farmer has to choose between growing wheat or sugarcane on the same piece of land, the forgone benefit from the crop not grown is known as its:(a) Market price(b) Opportunity cost(c) Scarcity(d) Demand
31
The economic system where all major economic decisions are taken by a central planning authority is known as:(a) Market Economy(b) Mixed Economy(c) Planned Economy(d) Capitalist Economy
32
When the quantity demanded of a good falls as its price rises, this is an illustration of the:(a) Law of Supply(b) Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility(c) Law of Demand(d) Principle of Scarcity
33
In a market economy, the questions of 'what to produce' and 'how to produce' are primarily addressed by:(a) Government regulations(b) The forces of demand and supply(c) Central planning authority(d) Consumer subsidies
Assertion-Reason Questions (1 mark each):
34
Assertion (A): Prices of essential goods like medicines are often regulated by the government.Reason (R): Market mechanisms alone may lead to unaffordable prices for essential commodities, impacting consumer welfare.(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.
Short Answer (3 marks each):
35
Explain the concept of 'opportunity cost' with a suitable example.
36
Differentiate between 'needs' and 'wants' in economics, providing examples.
37
Why is it important for a country to have a system for determining 'for whom to produce'?
Long Answer (5 marks):
38
Explain the concept of market equilibrium. How does it change if there is an increase in demand for a product, assuming supply remains constant?ORDiscuss the role and functions of political parties in a democracy. Explain their importance in organising public opinion and offering voters meaningful choices.
Answer Key
AHISTORY (20 Marks)
1
(c) Domestication of animals (Mesolithic period focused on microliths, hunting small game, and early symbolic expression; domestication is characteristic of the Neolithic period.)
2
(b) A ruler who could conquer and unite a large territory under a single political entity.
3
(d) Chinese
4
(d) Guptas
5
Early humans communicated through gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, and eventually, cave paintings and drawings. These served as a way to convey messages, share information about hunting, and express emotions or ideas before the development of written language.
6
Vaishyas were primarily involved in economic activities like agriculture, trade, and pastoralism. They were also expected to contribute to society through their economic prosperity, engage in scriptural study, participate in sacrificial rituals, and offer charity (dāna). Their economic activities supported the stability and growth of the state.ORThe concept of 'dharma' in ancient Indian governance encompassed duties, righteousness, social order, and ethical conduct. Rulers were expected to uphold dharma, ensuring justice, impartiality, and the welfare of their subjects. This principle aimed to create unity in social values and promote a sense of shared identity and governance across the subcontinent.
7
The Palaeolithic period (Old Stone Age) was characterized by the use of crude stone tools, nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles, and temporary shelters. The Mesolithic period (Middle Stone Age) saw the development of smaller, more refined microlithic tools, hunting of smaller animals, fishing, and the beginning of art (cave paintings). The Neolithic period (New Stone Age) marked the 'Neolithic Revolution' with the adoption of agriculture, domestication of animals, settled villages, pottery making, and weaving, leading to a more stable lifestyle.OREarly civilizations like the Indus-Sarasvati, Mesopotamian, and Egyptian civilizations all developed in fertile river valleys (Indus-Sarasvati, Tigris-Euphrates, Nile), which provided resources for agriculture and facilitated transportation and trade. They shared common features such as the development of agriculture, irrigation systems, urban planning, writing systems (Indus script, cuneiform, hieroglyphs), and organized social and political structures, even though they developed independently.
8
(i) The Neolithic Revolution refers to the significant shift from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agriculture and animal domestication.(ii) Mehrgarh.(iii) The shift to settled farming allowed for the cultivation of crops and domestication of animals, leading to a surplus of food. This surplus supported a larger population, specialization of labour (beyond farming), and the development of permanent settlements, which eventually grew into complex societies and urban centres.
BGEOGRAPHY (20 Marks)
10
(c) Deflation
11
(d) Exosphere
12
(b) Delta
13
(c) Clear and sunny skies
14
(b) Seasonal reversal of wind direction
15
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
16
Weather refers to the hour-to-hour and day-to-day atmospheric conditions of a place, such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Climate, on the other hand, is the average weather pattern of a region over a long period, typically 30 years or more, and includes variations and extremes.
17
Rivers erode rocks and soils, forming V-shaped valleys and waterfalls in their upper course due to steep gradients. In the middle course, they meander and form floodplains. In the lower course, they deposit sediments, creating deltas at their mouth where they meet a larger body of water.ORThe Earth's atmosphere is composed mainly of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), with small amounts of other gases. It is structured in layers: the Troposphere (weather phenomena occur here, temperature decreases with altitude), Stratosphere (contains ozone layer, temperature increases with altitude), Mesosphere (temperature decreases with altitude), Thermosphere (temperature increases with altitude, where auroras occur), and Exosphere (outermost layer, very thin air).
18
(i) 'Seasonal reversal of winds' refers to the change in the direction of winds with the change in seasons, a key characteristic of the monsoon system.(ii) The south-west monsoon brings the majority of rainfall to India, which is crucial for its agriculture. It provides the necessary water for sowing and growing crops, influencing food production, water supply in rivers and reservoirs, and ultimately, the rural economy.(iii) Weak monsoons can lead to droughts, causing crop failure and water scarcity. Excessive rainfall can cause floods, leading to damage to property, loss of life, and displacement of people.
Map-based Question (3 marks):
19
(i) (b) South-West(ii) Any two from: Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus, Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Kaveri.(iii) Himalayas.
CPOLITICAL SCIENCE (20 Marks)
20
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
21
(c) Right to Equality
22
(b) Elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
23
(c) Federalism
24
Universal Adult Franchise means that all adult citizens, irrespective of their caste, creed, sex, religion, or economic status, have the right to vote in elections, provided they meet the age criteria.
25
An independent judiciary is crucial in a democracy as it acts as the guardian of the Constitution and citizens' rights. It can impartially interpret laws, settle disputes, and ensure that the government functions within the constitutional framework, preventing arbitrary rule.
26
Three features that ensure free and fair elections in India are: (1) The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent body responsible for conducting elections impartially. (2) The Representation of the People Acts (1950 & 1951) lay down rules for fair campaigning, voting, and dispute resolution. (3) Universal Adult Franchise ensures that all eligible citizens can vote without discrimination. (4) Secret ballot protects voters from intimidation. (Any three)
27
Challenges faced by Indian democracy include: (1) Illiteracy and lack of awareness among a section of the population, which can hinder informed participation. (2) Misinformation and fake news, especially spread through digital platforms, can manipulate public opinion. (3) Inequality (economic and social) can lead to unequal access to resources and opportunities, affecting fair representation. (4) Criminalization of politics and corruption can undermine the integrity of the electoral process. (Any three)ORFundamental Rights are essential as they guarantee basic freedoms and protections to citizens, preventing arbitrary government action and ensuring individual dignity and development. Fundamental Duties, on the other hand, remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the nation, such as respecting the Constitution, protecting public property, and upholding the sovereignty and integrity of India. Together, they form the bedrock of responsible citizenship in a democracy.
28
(i) Right to Freedom of Religion / Right against Exploitation / Right to Constitutional Remedies / Right to Cultural and Educational Rights.(ii) Fundamental rights are essential in a democracy because they protect citizens from arbitrary state power, ensure equality and justice, and allow for individual freedom and development, which are core democratic values.(iii) The Right to Equality aims to eliminate discrimination and ensure that all citizens are treated equally before the law, regardless of their background. This promotes social justice by creating a level playing field and preventing the formation of discriminatory social hierarchies.
DECONOMICS (20 Marks)
29
(c) Resources
30
(b) Opportunity cost
31
(c) Planned Economy
32
(c) Law of Demand
33
(b) The forces of demand and supply
34
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
35
Opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative that is forgone when a choice is made. For example, if a student spends their evening studying for an exam, the opportunity cost might be the enjoyment of watching a movie or playing a sport, which was the next best option.
36
Needs are essential for survival, such as food, water, clothing, and shelter. Wants are desires that go beyond basic survival and are unlimited, such as owning a smartphone, travelling to exotic locations, or buying designer clothes. While needs must be met, wants keep changing and expanding.
37
It is important for a country to have a system for determining 'for whom to produce' because resources are scarce and people have different incomes and needs. This system ensures that goods and services are distributed in a way that addresses the needs of different segments of society, promotes equity, and prevents essential goods from being inaccessible to the poor.
38
Market equilibrium occurs when the quantity demanded of a good equals the quantity supplied at a particular price. At this point, there is no pressure for the price to change. If demand for a product increases (demand curve shifts to the right), assuming supply remains constant, both the equilibrium price and the equilibrium quantity will increase.ORPolitical parties are crucial in a democracy by: (1) Organising public opinion and articulating the concerns of different groups. (2) Offering voters meaningful choices by presenting different policies and manifestos. (3) Forming governments and providing leadership and governance. (4) Acting as a check on the ruling party, ensuring accountability. They play a vital role in connecting citizens to the government and ensuring the functioning of democratic processes.
