SOCIAL SCIENCE (April’ 2016)
(213)
NIOS SECONDARY Solved Papers
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100
11.
Describe the features of agriculture practiced in the Harappan civilization. 4
Ans. The following are the features of
agriculture practiced in the Harappan civilization:-
a)They produced wheat, barley, peas,
lentils, linseed and mustard.
b) They might have grown cotton as
traces of cotton have been found.
c) Rice husks have been found at
Lothal & Rangpur
d) They grew crops in the river
plains. Due to annual floods the land was fertile vecause of deposition of
silt.
e) At Banawali a Terracotta plough was
found suggesting they might have used it for agriculture.
f) They used Canals and artificial
water reservoirs for irrigation purposes. Water reservoir has been found at
Dholavira.
12.
Explain the Mansabdari System of Mughals. 4
Ans.:- The Mughal system was more
penetrative with control over the revenue and landed network going much deeper
right to the village level. The Mughals appointed mansabdars who performed
military and civil duties. The mansabs were actually ranks of position which
was fixed according to the position of the officers in Mughal bureaucracy and
the military contingents under their command. These mansabdars were mostly paid
through land assignments called jagirs which were frequently transferable.
These were similar to iqtas, with the difference that while iqtas combined
administrative charge, jagirs did not. The Mughal system was crucially
dependent on the smooth functioning of Mansabdari and Jagirdari Systems.
13.
Describe main ideas of Raja Ram Mohan Roy which made him a prominent thinker
ahead of his time.
Ans.:- Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born in
a Brahmin family of Bengal. He knew many languages and had read Quran, Bible
and the New Testament along with Hindu scriptures in great depth. Liberal
education exposed him to different cultures and philosophies. Deeply moved by the plight of his brother’s
widow, who had been forced to commit Sati, he was determined to uproot this social
practice. This led him to challenge other unfair social and religious practices
prevalent at that time. He founded
Brahmo Samaj in 1828. He was the first person to take an initiative to
challenge the practice of Sati and it soon became his life-long crusade. He
mobilized public opinion and cited the scriptures to show that this practice
had no sanction in Hindu religion.
14.
Describe the Faqir and Sanyasi Rebellions of 1770 - 1820s. 4
Ans.:- (i) The Faqir and Sanyasi
Rebellions (1770–1820s):
The Faqirs were a group of wandering
Muslim religious mendicants in Bengal. Two famous Hindu leaders who supported
them were Bhawani Pathak and a woman, Devi Choudhurani. They attacked English
factories and seized their goods, cash, arms and ammunition. Maznoom Shah was
one of their prominent leaders. They were finally brought under control by the
British at the beginning of the 19th century.
The Sanyasi Uprisings took place in
Bengal between the periods of 17701820s. The Sanyasis rose in rebellion after
the great famine of 1770 in Bengal which caused acute chaos and misery.
However, the immediate cause of the rebellion was the restrictions imposed by
the British upon pilgrims visiting holy places among both Hindus and Muslims.
15.
Explain the formation of Muslim League in India. 4
Ans.:- FORMATION OF THE MUSLIM LEAGUE
(1906) As the radical movement grew stronger the British began to look for ways
and means to break the unity among Indian. They tried to do this through the
partition of Bengal and by sowing the seed of communalism among Indian people. They
motivated Muslims to form a permanent political association of their own. In
December, 1906, during the Muhammadan Educational conference in Dacca, Nawab
Salim Ullah Khan raised the idea of establishing a Central Muhammadan
Association to take care of Muslim interests. Accordingly, on 30th December,
1906, the All India Muslim League was founded. Another prominent person, Aga
Khan was chosen as its president. The main objective of the league was to
protect and advance the rights of Muslims in India and represent their needs to
the government. By encouraging the issue of separate electorates, the
government sowed the seed of communalism and separatism among Indians. The
formation of the Muslim League is considered to be the first fruit of the
British master strategy of ‘Divide and Rule’. Mohammad Ali Jinnah later joined
the League.
16.
Explain the specific features of the ‘Thar Desert’ of India. 4
Ans.:- The Indian Desert lies towards
the western margin of Aravali Hills. It is also called Thar Desert. It is the
ninth largest desert in the world. It spreads over the states of Gujarat and
Rajasthan. This region has semi-arid and arid weather conditions. It receives
less than 150 mm of rainfall per year. The vegetation cover is low with thorny
bushes. Luni is the main river in this area. All other streams appear only at
the time of rainfall otherwise they disappear into the sand.
1. I remain dry most of the year. The
moisture bearing winds goes parallel to Aravalli so I receive scanty rainfall.
2. I am pierced by cactus and other thorny
bushes on my body.
3. If you are thirsty, you will have
to walk several kilometers to reach an oasis and sinduates (small water body).
17.
What type of weather conditions prevail
during the month of October in different parts of India ? Explain.
Ans.:- October and November are the
months of post (or retreating) monsoon season. The temperatures during
September-October start decreasing in north India. Monsoonal trough also
becomes weak over North-West India. This is gradually replaced by a high
pressure system. The South-West monsoon winds weaken and start withdrawing
gradually from North Indian Plains by November. In October the weather remains
humid and warm due to continuing high temperature and moist land in month of
October. In Northern plains hot and humid weather becomes oppressive at this
time. It is commonly called ‘October Heat’.
18.
Explain the main features of the ‘Tidal forests’ in India. 4
Ans.:- Following are the four
characteristics of tidal forests
(i) As suggested by the name, these
forests are found in tidal creeks and swamps influenced by the tides and
wetland topography.
(ii) These areas are characterized by
mud, silt and water accumulated on the surface.
(iii) Roots and branches of the trees
are submerged under water for specific period of time.
(iv) They are also called mangrove
forests. Mangroves are practically evergreen with thick leathery leaves.
19. Why is a Constitution must for a
democratic country ? Explain four
reasons. 4
20.
Why is the ‘Right to Constitutional Remedies’ a very important right given to
Indian citizens ? Give four arguments.
Ans.:- Since Fundamental Rights are
justiciable, they are just like guarantees. They are enforceable, as every
individual has the right to seek the help from courts, if they are violated.
But in reality it is not so . encroachment or violation of Fundamental Right in
our day to day life is a matter of great concern. Which is why, our
Constitution does not permit the legislature and the executive to curb these rights.
It provides legal remedies for the protection of our Fundamental Rights. This
is called the Right to Constitutional Remedies stipulated in Article 32. When
any of our rights are violated, we can seek justice through courts. We can
directly approach the Supreme Court that can issue directions, orders or writs
for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
21.
Explain the ideas behind Directive Principles related to Gandhian thought
reflected in the Indian Constitution. 4
Ans.: -Directive Principles of State
Policy:- In addition to Fundamental Rights, the Constitution also has a section
called Directive Principle of State Policy. It is a unique feature of the
Constitution. It is aimed at ensuring greater social and economic reforms and
serving as a guide to the State to institute laws and policies that help reduce
the poverty of the masses and eliminate social discrimination. In fact, as you
will study in the lesson on “India-A Welfare State”, these provisions are
directed towards establishment of a welfare state.
22.
Describe the functions of political parties in the formation of government in
India.
Ans.:- The functions of political
parties in the formation of government in India are
a) To contest elections:- In
most democracies, elections are fought mainly, among the candidates put up by
political parties. Parties select their candidates in different ways. In India,
top party leaders choose candidates for contesting elections,
b) Forming policies and programmes:-
Parties put forward different policies and programmes and the voters choose
from them. Each of us may have different opinions and views on what policies
are suitable for the society.
c) Making laws:-
When parties come to power, they make laws for the country. Formally, laws are
debated and passed in the legislature. Members of the ruling party follow the
directions of party leaders, irrespective of their personal opinions.
d) Parties form and rung governments:-Parties
recruit leaders, train them and then make them ministers to run the government
in the way they want.
e) Role of opposition:
Parties that lose in elections, play the role of opposition to the parties in
power by criticising the government for its failures or wrong policies.
23.
Analyse any four issues which are considered as undesirable during election and
demand immediate attention for reform.
Ans.:- Issues which are considered as
undesirable during election and demand immediate attention for reform are:-
(a) rigging of the elections - fake
and bogus voting, impersonation,
(b) violence during elections,
(c) adverse role of money and muscle power,
(d) intimidation of voters especially
the people of weaker sections,
24. Explain the changes in the Indian
economy in the last decade of 20th century.
25.
How is ‘dynamism’ a very significant characteristic of environment ? Explain with examples.
Ans.:- THE DYNAMISM AND THE VARIETY OF
THE ENVIRONMENT As you yourself observe and find that the environment is never
static. One of its most significant characteristics is its dynamism. It is
continuously changing. Both the biotic
and the abiotic elements in the environment are dynamic by their nature. Let us
understand what is this dynamism and how it works. The environment differs from
place to place and also from one time in history to another. For example, the
environment of the Himalayas is different from that of the Great Indian Desert,
and even there it is not the same over the years and decades. Climatic
conditions change in different places in different seasons. If you observe the
evolution of the environment of the same place, say over a period of 20 or 30
years, you will find that the environment of that place has changed. Some
changes take place naturally, while others are caused by the activities of
human beings. Even the human-made environment has been undergoing changes over
a period of time and space.
26.
Describe about the changes which helped in the economic growth of Italy during
the Renaissance period.
Ans.:- It started in Italy around 14th
Century AD. Italy was divided into small city states at that time. Many of them
were built on the ruins of ancient Roman buildings. The geographical position
of Italian cities made them great trading and intellectual centers. Moreover,
the position of Italian cities such as Venice made them centers of trade and
intellectual crossroads. Many great ideas, along with wealth, were brought by
merchants from far corners of the globe. The new form of political and social
organization gave political freedom and a suitable atmosphere for academic,
artistic and cultural advancement. People had more leisure time for study and
other activities. This was also a period of great economic expansion. Many
commercial and financial techniques were developed for trade practices like
book keeping, bills of exchange and public debt. This enabled Italy to become
the centre of Renaissance. The major developments of this time were the revival
of urban life, commerce based on private capital, banking, formation of nation
states, explorations to find new routes and territories and the development of
vernacular literature which was popularized by the printing press.
27.
Analyse the contribution of Bismarck in the unification of Germany. 5
Ans.:- Unification of Germany After
Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, many Germans wanted an independent Germany. Germany
was a confederation of 39 small states, led by Austria and Prussia. These
states were always at war with one another, deterring the economic progress of
Germany. The King of Prussia, Kaiser William I, chose a Prime Minister Bismarck
to unify Germany under the rule of Prussia, and excluding Austria and France
completely. Bismarck was fearless and believed in the urgent need for
unification in Germany. He started with the modernisation of the army, defying
the parliament in collecting taxes. His policy came to be known as ‘Blood and
Iron’ policy and earned him the nickname of the ‘Iron Chancellor’. With this
improved army, Bismarck encouraged the German population of Schleswig and
Holstein to revolt against their ruler Denmark.
28.
Describe the geographical conditions required for the production of cotton in
India. 5
Ans.:- Some of the geographical
conditions are as follows:
(a) Temperature: Cotton is the crop of
tropical and sub-tropical areas and requires uniformly high temperature varying
between 21°C and 30°C.
(b) Rainfall: It grows mostly in the
areas having at least 210 frost free days in a year.
It requires modest amount of rainfall
of 50 to 100cm. However, cotton is successfully
grown with the help of irrigation in the areas where rainfall is less
than 50 cm.High amount of rainfall in
the beginning and sunny and dry weather at the time of ripening are very useful
for a good crop.
(c) Soil: Cotton cultivation is very
closely related to Black soils of Deccan and Malwa plateau. However, it also
grows well in alluvial soils of the Satluj-Ganga plain and red and laterite
soils of the peninsular region.
29.
Examine the significance of local government in modern democracies. 5
Ans.:-The significance of local
government in modern democracies are:-
a)
The application of resources must
satisfy the collective needs of individuals. The object of local government is
to serve individuals in communities. In democratic theory, local government
exists for the sake of the individual and the individual does not exist to
support ht e local government financially or otherwise.
b)
Direct participation in
decision-making by citizens. This could be achieved through town meetings in
small communities and through ratepayer associations, vigilante groups and
social/political associations in larger communities. Direct or indirect public
participation and decision making in an imperative for democratic local
government.
c)
Valuing responsibility and
accountability arising from the tenets of democracy. Councillors must be sensitive
to public problems and needs, feel responsible for satisfying those needs and
problems and realize their accountability to the public. This calls for
frequent interaction between councillors and the electorate.
d)
Taking responsibility for management of
programme effectiveness in order to ensure that needs are satisfied efficiently
and effectively and
e)
Social equity emanating from the
tenets of democracy. The conventional and classical philosophy of local
government and management revolves around the following: Do municipal services
rendered by local authorities enhance social equity? One of the main principles
of social equity is the maintenance of high ethical and moral standards.
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