Combinepdf

PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
THE RISE OF NATIONALISM IN EUROPE
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)

1. Interpret the concept of „liberalisation‟ in the field of economic sphere during the
nineteenth century in Europe. [Delhi 2019]
Ans. Liberalism, in the field of economic sphere, stood for the freedom of markets and
the abolition of state-imposed restrictions on the movement of goods and capital.
2. To which country did the artist Frederic Sorrieu belong? [Delhi 2017]
Ans. Artist Frederic Sorrieu belonged to France.
3. Who implemented the „Civil Code‟ of 1804 in France? [All India 2017]
Ans. The „Civil Code‟ of 1804 in France was implemented by Napoleon.
4. Name the Treaty of 1832 that recognised Greece as an independent

nation. [Delhi 2016]
Ans. The Treaty of Constantinople (1832) recognised Greece as an independent nation.
5. Name the event that mobilised nationalist feelings among the educated elite across
Europe in 1830-1848? [Delhi 2016]
Ans. The event that mobilised nationalist feelings among the educated elite across Europe
in 1830-1848 was the Greek War of Independence.
6. Who remarked “When France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches cold”? [2016]
Ans. Duke Mettemich, the Austrian Chancellor, remarked “When France sneezes, the
rest of Europe catches cold”.
7. Who was proclaimed the German Emperor in a ceremony held at Versailles in

January 1871? [All India 2016]
Ans. Kaiser William I of Prussia was proclaimed the German Emperor in a ceremony
held at Versailles in January 1871.
8. What was the major change that occurred in the political and constitutional scenario
due to French Revolution in Europe? [Delhi 2015]
Ans. Major political and constitutional change that occurred after the French Revolution
of 1789 was the end of the rule of absolute monarch and transfer of sovereignty
from the monarchy to a body of French citizens.
9. Mention the proclamation of the French Revolution. [Delhi 2010]

Ans. The French Revolution proclaimed that it was the people who would constitute the
nation and shape its destiny.
https://www.youtube.com/@PadhleTenthies 1
https://bit.ly/padhleapp
https://t.me/padhlein
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
10. Who founded the secret society, „Young Italy‟ during the 1830s? [All India 2010]
Ans. Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian revolutionary, founded secret society, „Young Italy‟
during the 1830s.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 Marks)
11. How had Napoleonic code exported to the regions under French control? Explain
with examples. [Delhi 2019]
Ans. The Napoleonic code exported to the regions under French control in following
ways:
(a) In the Dutch Republic, in Switzerland, in Italy and Germany, Napolean simplified
administrative divisions, abolished the feudal system and freed peasants from
serfdom and manorial dues.
(b) In the towns too, guild restrictions were removed.
(c) Transport and communication systems were improved.
12. “Ideas of national unity in early nineteenth century Europe were closely allied to
the ideology of Liberalism.” Analyse the statement. [Delhi 2017]
Ans. Ideas of national unity in early nineteenth century Europe were closely allied to the
ideology of Liberalism because liberalism stood for freedom for the individual and
equality of all before the law. Politically, it emphasized the concept of government
by consent. During the French Revolution, liberalism stood to end autocracy and
privileges based on birth, a constitution and representative government through
parliament.
13. How had the female figures become an allegory of the nation during the 19th century
in Europe? Analyse. [Delhi 2016]
Ans. In the 19th century in Europe, the female figures became an allegory of the nation
in the following ways.
(a) The artists, in the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe, wanted to represent a
country, as if it was a person. In other words, they wanted to personify the nation.
Nations were represented as female figures. The female form did not belong to
any particular woman in real life. It was an abstract idea, which gave the nation a
concrete form. The female figure became an allegory of a nation.
(b) In France, the female form was given the name of Marianne, which represented
the nation. Her characteristics were red cap, the tricolour and the cockade,
drawn from those of Liberty and the Republic.
(c) Similarly, Germania became the allegory of the German nation. Germania
wears a crown of oak leaves because oak stands for heroism.
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
14. Describe the events of French Revolution which had influenced the people belonging
to other parts of Europe. [Delhi 2015]
Ans. Events of French Revolution that influenced the people of other parts of Europe
were as follows.
(a). When the news of the French Revolution reached different cities of Europe,
students and other members of educated middle classes began to set up
Jacobin clubs which influenced the French army.
(b) The French armies began to carry the idea of nationalism abroad.
(c) The Napoleonic Code, introduced in 1804, abolishing privileges and upholding
equality and other reforms, exported these new ideas to the European regions
under French Control.
15. How did the local people in the areas conquered by Napoleon react to French rule?
Explain. [Delhi 2014]
Ans. (a) The reactions of the local populations to French rule were mixed. Although the
economic reforms introduced by Napoleon were welcomed by businessmen
and small producers of goods.
(b) Initially the French armies were welcomed in Holland, Switzerland and in cities
like Brussels, as messenger of liberty, but they soon realised that administrative
reforms did not go hand in hand with political freedom.
(c) The people reacted against increased taxation and censorship.
(d) Local people had to serve in the French army to conquer other parts of Europe,
these all seemed to outweigh the advantages of administrative changes.
(any three)
16. Explain any three beliefs of the conservatism that emerged after 1815. [Delhi 2011]
Ans. Following were the beliefs of conservatism that emerged after 1815:
(a) The conservatives held the belief that established, traditional institutions of
state and society like monarchy, church, social hierarchies, property and family
must be protected and preserved.
(b) They never proposed a pre-revolutionary period to return to but they knew that
as Napoleon had carried out changes, modernisation would in fact contribute
to a strong monarchy. They believed that it would strengthen power of the
state and make it much more effective.
(c) For them it was a firm belief that aristocratic monarchies of Europe would gain
much from a modem army, an efficient bureaucracy, a dynamic economy, the
abolition of feudalism and serfdom.
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
17. Explain any three features of Napoleonic Code. [Delhi 2010]
Ans. The following were the features of the Napoleonic Code:
(a) Monarchy was restored after destroying democracy.
(b) The administrative system was made rational and efficient.
(c) Administrative divisions were simplified.
(d) Privileges based on birth were abolished and equality before the law was
established. (any three)
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (5 Marks)
18. Describe the explosive conditions prevailed in Balkans after 1871 in

Europe. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. The Balkan region during 1871 comprised modern-day states like Romania, Bulgaria,
Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia and
Montenegro. Its inhabitants were known as Slavs.
(a) This region had various ethnic and geographical diversities and was under the
Ottoman Empire for a long period. As the ideas of romantic nationalism
spread in this region, it resulted in breaking up of the Ottoman Empire which
made the situation even more serious.
(b) The Ottoman Empire could not do much to integrate these regions. As a result,
most of the European subject nationalities broke away from the Ottoman
Empire's control and declared their independence.
(c) The Balkan people based their claim to be independent on the basis of
nationality. They referred to the examples from history as a proof that they were
once independent and were subjugated by foreign powers. Therefore, they
thought of their struggles as attempts to win back their long-lost independence.
(d) Because of this development, various other Slavic nationalities also struggled to
define their identity and independence which made the Balkan a region of
severe conflicts. At the same time they were jealous of each other and wanted
to gain more territory at the expense of the others.
(e) European powers like Russia, Germany, England, Austro* Hungary too fought
with each other to control more colonies and establish their naval and military
might. They were also keen to grab more of the Balkan region for expanding
their trade. This made the situation more serious which ended up with the
waging of the First World War.
19. Describe the process of unification of Italy. [Delhi 2015]

Ans. During the middle of the 19th century, Italy was divided into seven states, of which
only Sardinia-Piedmont was ruled by Italian princely house.
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
(a) Mazzini, a great revolutionary leader of Italy, inspired the youth with the ideas
of establishing a single unified Italy. He set up secret societies like Young
Italy in Marseilles and Young Europe in Berne with like-minded young men
from Poland, France, Italy and German states.
(b) Mazzini prepared the ground for Cavour to complete the process of unification.
(c) After a series of failures of Mazzini, King Victor Emmanuel II took to unifying
Italy through wars.
(d) Cavour, the Chief Minister, through his tactful diplomatic alliance with France,
defeated Austrian forces in 1859.
(e) Under the leadership of Giuseppe Garibaldi, armed volunteers marched into
South Italy in 1860 along with the Kingdom of two Sicilies and won the
support of local peasants and drove the Spanish away, thus unifying Italy in
1861. Victor Emmanuel II was made the King of united Italy.
20. How had revolutionaries spread their ideas in many European states after 1815.
Explain with examples. [All India 2014]
Ans. (a) After the Congress of Vienna in 1815 when conservative regimes were restored
to power, many liberal minded people went underground because of the
fear of repression. Secret societies sprang up in European states to train the
revolutionaries and spread their ideas.
(b) Many revolutionaries opposed monarchial rule and fought for liberty and
freedom of their respective states.
(c) One such revolutionary was Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian patriot, was sent to
exile in 1831 for attempting a revolution in Liguria. He became the member of a
secret society carbonari.
(d) He founded two underground socities, first Young Italy in Marseilles and the
other Young Europe in Berne. The society had members from Poland, France.
Italy, Germany, etc. The members believed in the formation of nation states
and they were liberal minded people.
(e) Following the example of Italy, secret societies were set up in Germany, France
Switzerland, Poland. Mazzini‟s vision of democratic republics frightened the
conservatives.
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
THE MAKING OF THE GLOBAL WORLD
VERY ASWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)
1. Why did most developing countries organize themselves into the Group of 77 during
1960s? [CBSE 2018]
Ans. Most of the developing countries did not benefit from the fast growth, which the
western economies had in 1950s and 1960s.
2. What kind of silk routes have been identified by historians ? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Historians have identified several silk routes, over land and by sea. interlacing wider
regions of Asia and connecting Asia with Europe and Northern Africa.
3. What is El Dorado ? [CBSE 2015]

Ans. El Dorado was deemed to be the fabled city of gold.
4. What kind of cultural exchanges were made through „Silk Route‟ ? [CBSE 20015]
Ans. „Silk Route‟ was a popular network as it was frequented by the Christian
missionaries. Muslim and Buddhist preachers.
5. How did dependency on potatoes kill the poorest peasants of Ireland ? [CBSE 2012]
Ans. The poor peasants of Ireland became so dependent on potatoes that when potato
blight occurred in the mid 1840s, hundreds of thousands of people died of starvation.
6. How did food like „Noodles‟ travel to various parts of the world and got adopted by
different names ? [CBSE 2011]
Ans. The food like „Noodles‟ travelled west from China to become Spaghetti and Pasta in
Italy. It is also believed that Arab traders took pasta to fifth century Sicily, an island in
Italy.
7. Who forced the government to abolish Corn Laws ? [CBSE 2011]

Ans. Industrialists and urban dwellers compelled the government to abolish Com Laws.
8. What was Paper Partition ? [CBSE 2010]

Ans. In 1885, the major European powers assembled in Berlin to divide the countries of
Africa between them. This event was called Paper Partition.
9. Why did the Big European Powers meet in Berlin in 1885 ? [CBSE 2010]
Ans. On account of the Partition of Africa, the Big European powers met in Berlin at a
conference in 1884-85.
10. Who was indentured labourer ? [CBSE 2009]

Ans. Indentured labourer signifies a „bonded labourer‟ who obtained contract to work for
an employer for a particular period of time.
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
11. Describe any three problems faced by Indian cotton weavers in the nineteenth
century. [Delhi 2018]
Ans. The three problems faced by Indian cotton weavers in the nineteenth century were:
a. Earlier, India was the main exporter of fine cotton to Britain but when the British
cotton industries began to expand after industrialisation, they put pressure on the
government to restrict the import of cotton to Britain.
b. As a result , tariffs were imposed on the import of cotton cloth from India which
protected the local manufacturers in Britain.
c. Thus the inflow of the fine cotton from India declined.
12. "Trade and cultural exchange always went hand in hand". Explain the statement in
the light of silk route. [Term-I, 2016-17, 2014]
Ans. • There were several silk routes over land and sea which helped in trade and
cultural links between the different countries of the world especially Asia, North
Africa and Europe.
• The silk routes got their name due to the Chinese silk cargoes along these routes
which were actively functional before the Christian era and up to the 15th century.
Chinese pottery, Indian spices The Making of a Global World 83 and precious
metals like gold and silver from Europe travelled through these silk routes.
• These silk routes were also used for cultural exchange by Christian missionaries,
Muslim preachers and the Buddhists.
13. Explain how the First World War was so horrible a war like none other
before. [All India 2010]
OR
Why is it said that there was no other war earlier like the First World War? State in
three points. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. There was no other war earlier like the First World War because of the following
reasons:
a. The First World War which took place mainly in Europe from 1914 to 1918 had a
profound impact on economic and political stability which took over three
decades to overcome,
b. The leading industrial nations of the world were taking part, they wanted to
harness the vast powers of the modern industries for the greatest possible
destructions. Modern weapons like tanks, aircrafts, machine guns and chemical
weapons were used, large ships and trains were used to move the recruited
soldiers.
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
c. Around 9 million died and 20 million injured, the industries were restructured to
produce war-related goods and also the societies were reorganized for war.
14. How did the withdrawal of US loans during the phase of the Great Depression affect
the rest of the world? Explain in three points. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. During the First World War, the US financed through loans a number of countries.
The withdrawal of US loans affected the rest of the world in the following three ways:
a. It caused the failure of some major banks and collapse of currencies in Europe.
b. The banks in US slashed domestic lending and called back loans but many
households were unable to repay the loan due to decline in sale of agricultural
products.
c. Collapse of business and falling income which finally resulted into collapse of the
US banking system.
To protect its economy, the US doubled the import duties which led to another severe
blow to the world trade.
15. Explain any three types of flows within the international economy in
exchanges. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. There were three types of movements or flows noticed by the economist in the
international market.
a. Flow of trade in which there was large scale trade of goods such as clothes and
food stuffs.
b. Flow of labour in which the people migrated from one place to another in large
numbers in search of employment.
c. Flow of capital in which capital moved over long distances for short term or long
term investments.
16. Define trade surplus. Why did Britain have a trade surplus with
India? [CBSE 2013]
Ans. Trade surplus is a condition in which the value of export exceeds the value of import.
Earlier, India was the main exporter of fine cotton to Britain but when the British
cotton industries began to expand after the industrialisation they put pressure on the
government to restrict the import of cotton to Britain.
As a result, tariffs were imposed on the import of cotton cloth from India which
protected the local manufacturers in Britain and thus the inflow of the fine cotton from
India declined.
Even though Britain had a trade surplus with India which means that the value of
British exports to India was more than the value of British imports from India.
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
17. Explain three effects of the abolition of Corn Laws. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. The three effects of the abolition of the Corn Laws were:
a. It led to the movement of people to the cities and overseas.
b. The imported corn was much cheaper which the British farmers were unable to
compete.
c. As a result they either left the cultivation or were thrown out of the farm.
18. “Indian trade had played a crucial role in the late nineteenth century world economy.”
Analyze the statement. [Delhi 2019]
Ans. The following was the importance of Indian trade for the British.
(a) Trade Surplus: Britain had a trade surplus with India. Britain used this surplus to
balance its trade deficit with other countries.
(b) Home Charges: Britain‟s trade surplus in India also helped to pay the so called
home charges that included private remittance home by British officials and
traders, interest payments on India‟s external debt and pensions of British
officials in India.
(c) Major Supplier of Cotton: India remained a major supplier of raw cotton to
Britain. It was required to feed the cotton textile industry in Britain.
19. The Spanish conquest and colonization of America was decisively underway by the
mid sixteenth century. Explain with examples. [CBSE 2015]
OR
How did the global transfer of disease in pre-modern world helped in colonisation of
the Americas? [CBSE 2011]
Ans. The Portuguese and the Spanish conquered America not just with the conventional
military weapons but also with the germs such as the small pox.
The small pox was carried on their person (Spanish invaders were immune to this
disease) to America for which the American Indians were not immune to and proved
a deadly weapon as it killed the whole community there.
These diseases could not be bought or captured and turned against the European
invaders unlike the guns and other conventional weapons.
20. How did rinderpest become instrumental in subjugating the Africans? [CBSE 2014]
OR
Describe briefly the effects of rinderpest in Africa in the 1890s. [All India 2009]
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
OR
Describe the impact of Rinderpest‟ on people‟s livelihoods and local economy in
Africa in the 1890s. [Delhi 2018]
Ans. Rinderpest was a disease of cattle plague spreading fastly in Africa in the 1880s. It
had terrible impact on the livelihood and the local economy in Africa.
This disease was carried by the infected cattle which were imported from the British
Asia in order to feed the Italian soldiers who were deputed for invading Eritrea in the
east Africa.
Rinderpest spread from the east Africa to the West Africa and reached the Atlantic
coast of Africa in the year 1892 and the southernmost tip of Africa (the Cape) in
1897.
Along the way from East to West Africa this rinderpest killed 90% of the cattle which
destroyed the livelihoods of the Africans.
Now the leftover or scarce cattle was monopolized by the planters, mine owners and
the colonial governments. This incident helped the European powers to conquer and
subdue Africa and easily forced the Africans into the labour market.
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
NATIONALISM IN INDIA
VERY ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)
1. Name the two main leaders of„ Khilafat Committee‟ formed in the year 1919. [2020]
Ans. Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali
2. Name the writer of the book 'Hind Swaraj'. [All India 2017]
Ans : Mahatma Gandhi is the writer of the book Hind Swaraj.
3. Who wrote the song Vande Mataram‟? [Foreign 2017]

Ans : The song Wande Mat ram‟ was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
4. What is meant by Satyagraha? [All India 2017]

Ans. Satyagraha is a policy of passive political resistance that emphasis the power of truth
and the need to search for truth.
5. Who organised the Dalits into the „Depressed Classes Association‟ in

1930? [Delhi 2017]
Ans. Dr. B. R. Ambcdkar organised the Dalits into the „Depressed Classes Association' in
1930.
6. Under which agreement the Indian „Depressed Classes‟ got reserved seats in the
Provincial and Central Legislative Councils in 1932? [Delhi 2017]
Ans. Through Poona Pact the Indian „Depressed Classes‟ got reserved seats in the
Provincial and Central Legislative Councils in 1932.
7. Name the writer of the book „Hind Swaraj‟. [All India 2017]
Ans. The book „Hind Swaraj‟ was written by Mahatma Gandhi.
8. What is the meaning of „Begar‟? [All India 2017]

Ans. Forced labour without payment in return is termed as Begar.
9. What is meant by Satyagraha? [All India 2017]

Ans. Satyagraha is a policy of passive political resistance that emphasis the power of truth
and the need to search for truth.
10. State the slogan with which Simon Commission was greeted in 1928 in
India. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Simon Commission arrived in India and was greeted with the slogan „Simon go back‟.
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
11. Why did Mahatma Gandhi decide to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in
February 1922? Explain. [CBSE 2021-22]
Ans. Reasons behind calling off the Non-cooperation Movement
• The movement had turned violent.
• The immediate cause was the Chauri Chaura incident in Gorakhpur. On February
5,1922 police fired at the people who are agitating in favour of Non-cooperation
Movement. The people rebelled against the police and burnt the police station.
As a result, 22 policemen were died
• Gandhiji withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement on 12 February, 1922.
12. Evaluate the role of business classes in the „Civil Disobedience

Movement‟. [All India 2017]
Ans. The business classes reacted against colonial policies that restricted business
activities. They wanted protection against imports of foreign goods and a rupee
sterling foreign exchange ratio that would discourage imports. In order to organise
business interest, they formed the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress in
1920 and the Federation of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI)
in 1927. They gave financial assistance for the movement. They refused to buy and
sell imported goods.
13. Why did Gandhiji relaunch the Civil Disobedience Movement after the Second Round
Table Conference? Explain any three reasons. [Foreign 2013, 2017]
Ans. Gandhiji relaunched the Civil Disobedience Movement after the Second Round Table
Conference due to the following reasons:
a. When Mahatma Gandhi went for the Round Table Conference in December
1931, he returned disappointed as the negotiations were broken down.
b. He discovered this new cycle of repression by the British.
c. The important Congress leaders were in jail and meetings, demonstrations and
boycotts were prevented.
14. “The Congress was reluctant to include the demands of the industrial workers in its
programme of struggle.” Analyse the reasons. [Delhi 2015]
Ans. Some of the industrial workers who participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement
were the Nagpur industrial workers who selectively adopted some of the Gandhian
ideas such as boycott of the foreign goods. They participated in the movement as
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
part of their own movement against the low wages and the poor working conditions in
the industries.
In the year 1930 and 1932. the railway workers and the dockworkers went on strike.
The Chhotanagpur tin mines workers also protested in rallies wearing Gandhian caps
and boycotted the campaigns.
But the Congress was not willing to include their demands because he thought that
this would alienate the industrialists and divide the anti-imperialist forces.
15. Explain any three reasons for the slow down of Non- Cooperation Movement in
cities. [All India 2013]
OR
Why did the Non-Cooperation Movement gradually slowdown in cities?
Explain. [Delhi 2012, 2015, Foreign 2014]
Ans. The Non-Cooperation Movement gradually slowed down in towns and cities because
a. The khadi clothes were expensive which the poor people could not afford.
b. There was need for Indian institutions for the teachers, students and the lawyers
but these were very slow to come up.
c. Thus once again people started using the mill made British clothes and the
students, teachers and the lawyers joined back their respective institutions.
16. Describe the spread of Non-Cooperation movement in the country

side. [All India 20l5]
OR
How did the non-cooperation spread to the countryside? Explain. [Foreign 2010]
Ans. Due to the worldwide economic depression the agricultural prices began to fall,
demands for agricultural goods fell and the export declined. This resulted in a
countryside turmoil. Now it was difficult for the peasants to sell their harvest and pay
the high revenue.
Against this situation of countryside turmoil the Tory government in Britain set up a
commission named Simon Commission under Sir John Simon to look into the
constitutional system in India and suggest the changes needed. There were no
Indian members in this commission.
17. Describe any three major problems faced by the peasants of Awadh in the days of
Non-Cooperation movement. [All India 2015]
OR
Explain any three problems faced by the peasants of Awadh. [Delhi 2011]
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
Ans. The three major problems faced by the peasants of Awadh in the days of Non-
Cooperation Movement were:
a. They demanded very high rents and other cesses from the peasants.
b. The peasants were bound to work at landlord‟s farm without any payment.
c. Peasants had to do begar, no security of tenure and also they were evicted
regularly so that they could not acquire right over the leased land.
18. Who had organized the dalits into the „Depressed Classes Association‟ in 1930?
Describe his achievements. [Delhi 2019]
Ans. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had organized the dalits into the „Depressed Classes Association‟
in 1930. Following were his achievements.
(a) He advocated for the political empowerment of the depressed classes. He
believed that it was only through political empowerment that the situation of the
depressed classes could be made better.
(b) He tried to improve the condition of dalits and thus formed an organisation.
(c) He demanded separate electorates for dalits at the second Round Table
Conference, which was finally conceded by the British.
(d) He signed the Poona Pact with Gandhiji and gave up the demand for separate
electorates but secured reserved seats for dalits in the provincial and central
legislative councils to be voted in general election.
19. How could non-cooperation become a movement? Explain with

examples. [Delhi 2014]
Ans. Most of the movements are issue-specific movements that seek to achieve a single
objective within a limited time frame. The main issue was to support Khilafat, as well
as swaraj.
Gandhiji proposed that the movement should start in stages. It should begin with the
surrender of titles, boycott of civil services, army, police courts and legislative,
councils, schools and foreign goods.
The Non-cooperation Khilafat Movement began in January 1921. The movement
started with middle class participation in the cities. Thousands of students left
schools and colleges, lawyers gave up their practice. Council elections were
boycotted in most provinces.
Non-Cooperation had all the characteristics of a movement.
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
(a) It had a specific issue i.e. it was started in support of Khilafat and Swaraj.
(b) It could not achieve its direct objective. However, it was very successful on the
economic front. The import of foreign cloth halved between 1921-1922 and its
value dropped from Rs.102 crore to Rs.57 crore.
(c) It was short lived. Gandhiji called a halt to the Non-Cooperation Movement after
the Chauri-Chaura incident when police station was set on fire in 1922.
(d) Non-Cooperation also had a clear cut leadership. It was organised under the
leadership of Gandhiji.
20. Explain four points about Gandhiji‟s idea of „satyagraha‟. [All India 2011]
Ans. Gandhiji had carried out successful satyagraha in South Africa against the racist
regime.
(a) According to him satyagraha was not a passive resistance but it called for
intensive activity.
(b) It suggested that if the struggle was against injustice, physical force is not
necessary to fight the oppressor. Non-violence could also win the battle.
(c) Only through the power of truth and non-violence, an appeal was made to the
conscience of the oppressor.
(d) Persuasion, not force, would make the oppressor realise the truth. This dharma
of non-violence and truth united people against the oppressor and made them
realise the truth.
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
PRINT CULTURE AND THE MODERN WORLD
1. How had hand printing technology introduced in Japan? [Delhi 2019]

Ans. Buddhist missionaries from China introduced hand printing technology into Japan
around 768-770 AD.
2. Why was printing of textbooks sponsored by the Imperial State in

China? [AI Ajmer 2019]
Ans. The printing of textbooks sponsored by the Imperial state in China because it had
a bureaucratic system which conducted civil services examinations to recruit its
personnel and therefore textbooks for this examination were printed in large number.
3. Why did the Roman Catholic Church impose control over publishers and
booksellers? [CBSE 2018]
Ans. The Roman Church was troubled by the spread of heretical ideas and the effects of
popular readings and questionings of faith. It thus imposed controls over publishers
and booksellers.
4. Why could not manuscripts satisfy' the increasing demand of books in Europe during
fourteenth century? [CBSE 2018]
Ans. Copying was laborious and time consuming business, very expensive and thus their
circulation remained limited. The manuscripts were too fragile to handle.
5. Which place (city) had the breakthrough of first printing press? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Strasbourg, Germany had the breakthrough of the first printing press.
6. Mention any one technique of preserving the manuscript in India. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. The manuscripts in India were preserved by pressing them between wooden covers
or being sewn together.
7. Name the Chinese traditional book, which was folded and stitched at the
side. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. The Chinese traditional book, which was folded and stitched at the side, was known
was accordion book.
8. Mention any one characteristic feature of the off-set press. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. One characteristic of the off-set press was that it could print up to six colours at a
time.
9. Name the first edition of the Indian religious text published in

vernacular. [CBSE 2014]
1
https://www.youtube.com/@PadhleTenthies
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
Ans. This first edition of the Indian religious text published in vernacular was the
Ramcharitmanas of Tulsidas.
10. Name the oldest Japanese book. [CBSE 2014]

Ans. The oldest Japanese book, printed in 868 AD, is the Buddhist Diamond Sutra.
11. How had the Imperial State in China been the major producer of printed material for a
long time? Explain with examples. [Delhi 2019]
Ans. The imperial State in China, was the major producer of printed material because:
(a) China had a bureaucratic system which conducted civil services examinations to
recruit its personnel.
(b) Textbooks for this examination were printed in large number, under the
sponsorship of the imperial state.
(c) From the sixteenth century, the number of candidates, who were taking
examination, went up. It led to increased volume of printed material.
12. Explain any three features of handwritten manuscripts before the age of print in
India. [CBSE 2010, 2014, 2016]
Ans. The three features of the handwritten manuscripts before the age of print in India are:
a. In India, there is rich and old tradition of handwritten manuscripts in different
languages which were copied on palm leaves or on handmade papers.
b. These manuscripts were highly expensive, fragile and needed careful handling.
c. These were preserved by pressing between the wooden covers or sewn together.
d. Heading the manuscripts was not easy as they were written in different styles
which limits its use.
13. What were the limitations of written manuscripts in India? Explain. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. The following were the limitations of written manuscripts in India.
(a) Manuscripts were very expensive and fragile. They had to be treated carefully
and they were difficult to read as the script was written in different styles,
(b) Manuscripts were not widely used in everyday life of the common populace. Even
though pre-colonial Bengal had developed a vast network of village primary
schools, students usually did not read texts.
(c) Students only learnt to write. Teachers read out part of texts from memory and
students wrote them down on paper. Students thus became literate without
ever actually reading any kinds of texts.
14. Examine the role of missionaries in the growth of press in India. [CBSE 2013]
Ans. The following points sum up the role of missionaries in the growth of press in India.
2
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
(a) The printing press first came to Goa with Portuguese missionaries in the mid-
sixteenth century. Jesuit priests learnt Konkani and printed several tracts.
(b) By 1674, about 50 books had been printed in the Konkani and in Kanara
languages. Catholic priests printed the first Tamil book in 1579 at Cochin and in
1713 the first Malayalam book was printed by them.
(c) By 1710, Dutch Protestant missionaries had printed 32 Tamil texts; many of them
were translated from older works.
15. How did new form of popular literature appear in print targeting new audience in the
18th century? Explain with examples. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. New forms of popular literature like almanacs, newspapers and journals, appeared in
print targeting new audiences in the eighteenth century in the following ways.
(a) Books could reach a wider population. Even those who disagreed with existing
customers could express themselves through print.
(b) Journals carrying views of women writes explained why women should be
educated.
(c) Novels carried themes related to women’s life and emotions. Such journals were
often written and edited by women themselves.
(d) With the expansion of compulsory education, children became important readers.
A children s press was devoted for children literature alone. It published old fairy
tales and folk tales along with new works. Grimm Brothers spent years compiling
folk tales. All that was considered unsuitable was not included.
(e) Fictional narratives, poetry. autobioquaplies. anthologies and romantic plays were
preferred by new readers.
16. How did print introduce debate and discussions? Explain any three
points. [CBSE 2011]
Ans. Print introduced diverse reading material to masses, which they interprated in their
own way and developed their own thoughts. This gave rise to debate and discussion
in the following ways.
(a) Varied opinions: People developed reasoning and hence began to debate on
religious, social and economic issues. They developed different opinions. Social
reformers offered a variety of interpretations of various beliefs and practices.
(b) Shaped opinions: Published matter not only spread new deas and views but
also shaped the nature of debate. A wider section of people could now participate
in public discussion and express their views. New ideas emerged due to clash of
opinions.
3
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
(c) Social reforms: This was a time of intense controversies between social and
religious reformers and orthodoxy over social customs and polities. People began
to reason and discuss critically the established social and religious norms.
Samachar Chandrika opposed the opinions of Raja Rammohan Roy, which were
published in Sambad Kaumudi in 1821.
17. Explain the effects of print culture in the religious sphere in early modern
Europe. [Foreign 2010]
Ans. The following were the effects of print culture in the religious sphere in early modern
Europe.
(a) It was apprehended that easier access to the printed and wider circulation of
books could pollute people’s mind. People could turn rebellious and irreligious
through would spread.
(b) After reading the literature people developed the attitude towards reasoning,
debate and discussion and began to challenge the existing norms of religion and
society.
(c) Because of criticizing practices and rituals of Roman Catholic Church, there was
a division in religion—Catholics and Protestants.
(d) Severe controls were imposed over publishers and booksellers for circulating
heretical ideas.
18. The 'print revolution' had transformed the lives of people changing their relationship
to information and knowledge.” Analyse the statement. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. Print revolution was a development in terms of producing the books in a newer and
faster way which transformed the lives of the people, their relationship with
information and knowledge and opened ways for newer perception in the world. The
introduction of printing press brought the following changes a new culture of reading
emerged, cost of the books came down, reduced the time and labour engaged in
publishing, produced multiple copies and the market got flooded with books.
The print culture helped in the circulation of ideas, debates and discussion. It was
used by the rebellions to let the people know the truth and take action against the
established authorities.
In the 17th and 18th centuries number of schools were opened by the churches to
spread literacy in the villages and to the peasants and artisans which caused a virtual
reading mania.
During this period the literacy increased which rose the number of readers among the
children, women and workers.
4
PREVIOUS YEAR
HISTORY
QUESTIONS-X
19. What was the attitude of the liberal and conservative Indians towards women’s
reading? How did women like Kailashbhashini Debi respond to this in their
writings? [CBSE 2014, 2015]
Ans. Women’s reading increased among the middle class because their lives and feeling
began to be written and also the liberal husbands and fathers focused on their
education.
The conservative Hindu families believed that the literate girl would be widowed. The
conservative Muslim families thought that by reading Urdu romances their women
would be corrupted. Kailashbhashini Debi from Bengal, wrote about the experiences
of the women such as how they are imprisoned at home, ignorance, forced work,
unjust treatment at home and society etc.
20. How did a new reading public emerge with the printing press? Explain. [CBSE 2009]
Ans. a. The introduction of printing press brought the following changes - a new culture of
reading emerged, cost of the books came down, reduced the time and labour
engaged in publishing, produced multiple copies and the market got flooded with
books.
b. Earlier, the society was divided into the oral culture and reading culture. The
common people had the oral culture while only the rich people had the reading
culture.
c. The common people heard the texts collectively which were read out or recited or
narrated to them.
d. The reading culture was only limited upto the elites and they only read the books
individually and silently. The reason behind this culture may be the books were
expensive, produced less in numbers and also the literacy rate was very low in
most of the European countries.
e. To solve the problem of illiteracy as a bander in the wider reach of the printed
books, the popular ballads and folk tales beautifully illustrated with pictures were
published which were sung and recited in the village gatherings and the taverns
in towns. Hence the line separating the oral culture and the reading culture
started becoming blurred.
5
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
GENDER RELIGION AND CASTE
1. Define a feminist? [CBSE 2015]

OR
By what term is now the person known who believes in equal rights and opportunities
for women. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Feminist: A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for all human
beings.
2. Describe any three factors that are responsible for breaking down of caste system
in India. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. The following are the factors responsible for the breaking down of the caste system
in India.
(a) Social and economic development.
(b) Urbanization.
(c) Occupational mobility.
(d) Growth of literacy and education.
(e) The Constitution of India prohibited any caste-based discrimination.
(f) Constitutional prohibition of untouchability. (any three)
3. "Secularism is not an ideology of some political parties or persons, but it is one of the
foundations of our country.” Examine the statement. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. a. This idea constitutes one of the foundations of our country. Communalism should
not be seen as a threat to some people in India. It threatens the very idea of
India.
b. A secular constitution like ours is necessary but not sufficient to combat
communalism. Communal prejudices and propaganda need to be countered in
everyday life and religion-based mobilization needs to be countered in the area of
politics.
c. There is no official religion for the Indian state. The constitution provides to all
individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice and propagate any
religion.
d. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on ground of religion.
4. Define communalism. Explain any three forms of Communalism in the Indian

Politics. [CBSE 2016-17]
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
Ans. Communalism is a situation when beliefs of one religion are presented as superior to
those of other religions. When the demands of one religious group are formed in
opposition to another and when state power is used to establish domination of one
religious group over the rest.
Various forms of communalism in politics:
a. The most common expression of communalism is in every day beliefs.
b. A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one‟s own
religious community.
c. Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism.
This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeals
and plan fear.
5. Suggest any two measures to check casteism in India. [CBSE 2016]

Ans. The following are the two measures to check casteism in India.
(i) Spread of education: Education upgrades one‟s level of thinking and helps in
eradicating the misconceptions of one‟s mind. All possible steps should be taken
to educate the masses.
(ii) Economic equality: Inequality in the economic life creates the feeling of
superiority and inferiority among the members of different caste groups. Steps
need to be taken to maintain economic equality of all castes.
(iii) Abolition of Reservation Policy: Reservation in government job, education and
other sectors creates conflicting attitude among the members of two different
castes. When the people of higher castes having adequate educational
qualification are deprived of all facilities, they revolt against the lower caste
people.
(iv) Political reforms: Political leaders and parties based on caste should be banned
from the political horizon.
(v) The name and aim of educational institutions referring to castes need to be given
up. (any two)
6. How can religion be used in politics in a positive manner? Express your view
point. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Politics and religion can be a deadly combination if not used wisely. It should be
for the good of the people rather than used as a weapon to settle scores. Religion
can be used in politics in a positive manner in the following ways.
(i) Politics should be guided by the ethics and values of religion.
(ii) We should raise our demands as a religious community but not at the cost of
other religions.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
(iii) Political leaders should also ensure that religion is not used as a medium of
oppression and discrimination. They should have equal response to different
religious conflicts or demands.
7. Is the caste system coining to an end in India? Give arguments in support of your
answer. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. No, I do not think that the caste system is coming to an end in India. From time
immemorial, the caste system has been an inseparable part of Indian society and
has been deeply rooted in our culture. It is entrenched in the society and brings about
discrimination. Even though a number of government policies have been
implemented, the caste system has not been completely eradicated.
The following are the instances to support this argument.
(а) Even though the constitution provides for various provisions for marrying outside
the caste, most people in India still marry in their caste.
(b) Citizens of the country, while casting their votes, usually vote for a candidate of
their own caste, rather than any other caste irrespective of the credibility of the
candidate.
(c) Political parties keep in mind the caste composition of the electorate before
choosing a candidate to represent their party so as to get necessary support for
benefiting their election spree.
(d) Untouchability still has not completely eradicated from the Indian society even
though the constitution prohibits any kind of untouchability.
8. Suppose a politician seeks your vote on the religious ground. Why is his act
considered against the norms of democracy? Explain. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. His act is against the spirit of democracy as the said politician is not working as per
the Constitution.
a. It also exploits the social difference.
b. It may create social discard and may lead to social division.
c. It is also biased attitude and neglects the principle of equality.
9. “The Government of India gives holidays for the festivals of most of the religions.”
Why is it so? Give your view point. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. It is so because:
a. India is a secular state, there is no official religion in our country.
b. The Constitution provides freedom to all to profess, practice and propagate any
religion or not to follow any.
c. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
10. Assess the influences of politics on caste system. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Influence of politics on Caste:
a. Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating within it sub-castes.
b. Various caste groups are required to enter into a coalition with other caste or
communities.
c. New kinds of caste groups have entered politics like „backward‟ and „forward‟
castes.
d. Politics in caste has allowed many disadvantaged caste groups to demand heir
share of power.
Caste politics has helped the Dalits and OBCs to gain better access to decision-
making.
11. What is sexual division of labour? Mention the main demands of the worldwide
women‟s agitations. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Sexual division of labour means division of work on the basis of the gender
difference and according to this concept all house work and responsibility of bringing
up children is women‟s work.
Women all over the world have been demanding:
a. Equal voting rights.
b. Enhancement of political and legal status of women.
c. Improvement of educational and career opportunities for women.
12. What is communalism? How is communalism a hindrance in the functioning of our

democracy? Explain. [CBSE 2011]
Ans. Communalism: When beliefs of one religion are presented as superior to those of
other religions, when the demands of one religious group are formed in opposition to
another and when state power is used to establish domination of one religious group
over the rest, we call it as communalism.
Communalism is a hindrance in the functioning of our democracy as:
a. Communalism leads to the belief that people belonging to different religions
cannot live as equal citizens within one nation. Either, one of them fias to
dominate the lest or they have to form different nation.
b. Any attempt to bring all followers of one religion together in context other than
religion is bound to suppress many voices within that community.
13. How are religious differences expressed in politics? [CBSE 2011]

Ans. The religious differences are often expressed in the field of politics, i.e.
a. Gandhiji used to say that religion can never be separated from politics, what he
meant by religion was not any particular religion like Hinduism or Islam, but moral
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
values that inform all religions. He believed that politics must be guided by ethics
drawn from religion.
b. Human right groups in our country have argued that most of the victims of
communal riots in our country are people from religious minorities. They have
demanded that the government take special steps to protect religious minorities.
c. Women‟s movement has agreed that family laws of all religions discriminate
against women, so they have demanded that government should change these
laws to make them more equitable.
14. How does caste get politicised? Give three points. [CBSE 2010]
Ans. a. Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating within its neighbouring
castes or sub-castes which were earlier excluded from it.
b. Various caste groups are required to enter into a coalition with other castes or
communities and thus enter into a dialogue and negotiation.
c. New kinds of caste groups have come up in the political area like „backward‟ and
'forward‟ caste groups.
15. “Women still lag much behind men in India despite some improvements since
independence.” Analyse the statement. [Delhi 2019]
Ans. Gender division refers to the unequal role assigned by the society to men and
women.
Women, on the basis of gender, have always been discriminated against in almost
all the societies of the world including India. The following are the main aspects
of life in which women are discriminated against or disadvantaged in India.
(a) Life at home: The main responsibility of a woman is believed to be that she
should do the housework and bring up children. This is reflected in a sexual
division of labour.
Women do all the work inside the house such as cooking, cleaning, washing
clothes, tailoring, looking after children, etc. and men do all the work outside the
home. It is not that men cannot do house work; they simply think that it is
for women to attend to these jobs.
(b) Life outside the home: In our society, the work of women is not valued and
does not get recognition. For instance, in rural areas and forest regions, they
fetch water and collect fuel. Sometimes they work in the fields. In fact, majority of
urban women do some sort of paid work in addition to domestic labour. But their
work is not given due importance in the society.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
(c) Role in public life and politics: Although women constitute half of the humanity,
their role in public life, especially politics, is minimal in most societies.
In our country, women still lag much behind men despite certain improvements
since independence. Ours is still a male-dominated society.
(d) Literacy level: The literacy rate among women is only fifty-four per cent
compared to seventy-six per cent among men. Similarly, a smaller proportion of
girl students go for higher studies. When we look at school results, girls perform
much better as compared to boys. But they are forced to drop out as their parents
prefer to spend resources on their sons‟ education rather than on their
daughters‟.
(e) Not paid properly in public jobs: The proportion of women holding high paid
and valued jobs is still very small. On an average. Indian women work one hour
more than an average man every day. Yet much of her work is not paid and
therefore, often not valued.
(f) Decline in sex ratio: Due to the preference given to male child, the sex ratio has
declined in the country to merely 919 at the national level. It is below 850 or even
800 in some states of India.
(g) In legislatures: In India, the proportion of women in the legislatures is very low.
For example, the percentage of elected women members in the Lok Sabha has
reached twelve per cent of its total strength for the first time in 2014. Their share
even in the state assemblies is less than five per cent. In this respect, India is in
the bottom group of nations in the world.
Above all, there are reports of various kinds of harassment, exploitation and violence
against women.
All these instances show that women are discriminated against or disadvantaged in
India.
16. How is gender division understood in Indian society? To what extent does political
mobilization on gender basis help to improve women‟s role in
public life? [CBSE SR 2016-17]
Ans. a. In Indian society, gender division tends to be understood as natural and
unchangeable. It is based on social expectations and stereotypes.
b. This attitude leads to sexual division of labour. Boys and girls are brought up to
believe that the main responsibility of women is housework and bringing up
children, whereas all the outside works are to be done by men.
c. The result of this division of labour is that though the women constitute almost
half the population, their role in public life in minimal.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
d. Political expression and political mobilization on this question helped to improve
women‟s role in public life. We now find women working as scientists, doctors,
engineers, teachers, etc. Now with lot of efforts 33% seats are reserved for
women in local government bodies.
17. The focus on caste in politics can sometimes give an impression that elections are all
about caste and nothing else. Do you agree? Explain. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. No, I do not agree. The focus on caste in politics can sometimes give an impression
that elections are all about caste and nothing else.
This is far from true because:
a. No parliamentary constituency in the country has a clear majority of one single
caste. So, every candidate and party needs to win the confidence of more than
one caste and community to win elections.
b. No party wins the votes of all the voters of a caste or community. When people
say that a caste is a ‟vote bank‟ of one party, it usually means that a
large proportion of the voters from the caste vote for the party.
c. Many political parties may put up candidates from the same caste (if that caste is
believed to dominate the electorate in a particular constituency). Some voters
have more than one candidate from their caste while many voters have no
candidates from their caste.
d. The ruling party of the sitting MP or MLA frequently lose elections in our country.
That could not have happened if all castes or communities were frozen in their
political preferences.
18. Describe any five constitutional provisions that make India a secular. [CBSE 2014]
OR
How does the Constitution of India ensure secularism? [CBSE 2011]
OR
What is the meaning of "Secularism‟'? How does the constitution make India a
secular state? Explain. [CBSE 2012]
OR
The makers of the Indian Constitution chose the model of a secular state for India.
Which constitutional provisions make India a secular state in the light of the above
statement? [CBSE 2012]
OR
What is a secular state? How does the Constitution of India ensure that India remains
a secular state? Explain. [CBSE 2012]
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
OR
What is the meaning of "Secularism1'? How does the constitution make India a
secular state? Explain. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Secularism means no special status is given to any religion. It is just not an ideology
of some parties or persons.
a. There is no official religion for the Indian states, unlike the status of Buddhism in
Sri Lanka or that of Islam is Pakistan.
b. The constitution provides freedom to all to protest, practise and propagate any
religion, or not to follow any.
c. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
d. The Constitution allows state to intervene in the matters of religion in order to
ensure equality within religious communities. For example, it bans untouchability.
19. “Caste has not still disappeared from contemporary India.” Support the statement
with suitable examples. [CBSE 2014]
OR
“Caste has not still disappeared from contemporary India”. Do you agree with the
statement? Justify your answer with suitable argument. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Yes, I agree with the statement. Arguments:
a. Most people marry within their own caste or tribe.
b. Untouchability has not ended despite provisions in the constitution.
c. Effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continue to be felt today.
d. A large mass of low caste people‟s till do not have access to education.
e. Caste is continued to be linked to economic status.
(Or any other relevant argument)
Note: Marks will also be awarded, if somebody disagrees and gives suitable
arguments.
20. Describe any five ways in which women in India are still discriminated and
oppressed. [CBSE 2012]
OR
“In our country, women still lag much behind than men despite some improvements
since independence.” Support the statement by giving five reasons. [CBSE 2011]
OR
Explain with five examples that women are still discriminated in India. [CBSE 2011]
OR
How "Women in India still face discrimination and oppression in various ways.”
Support the statement with five examples. [CBSE 2012]
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
OR
What are the problems faced by Indian women which affect their social status?
Explain any five. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. In our country, women still lag much behind men despite some improvements since
Independence. Women face disadvantage, discrimination and oppression in various
ways:
1. The literacy rate among women is only 54 percent as compared with 76 percent
among men.
2. Similarly, a smaller proportion of girl students go for higher studies. Girls are
performing as well as boys in school. But they drop out because parents prefer to
spend their resources for their boys‟ education rather than spending equally on
their sons and daughters.
3. The proportion of women among the highly paid and valued jobs is still very
small. On an average, an Indian woman works one horn- more than an average
man everyday.
4. The Equal Remuneration Act provides that equal wages should be paid to equal
work. However in almost all areas of work, from sports and cinema, to factories
and fields, women are paid less than men, even when both do exactly the same
work.
5. In many parts of India, parents prefer to have sons and find ways to have the girl
child aborted before she is born. Such sex- selective abortion led to a decline in
child sex ratio.
6. Woman face harassment, exploitation and violence on the domestic front.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
POLITICAL PARTIES
VERY SHORT ASWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)
1. Why is one party political system not considered a good democratic

system? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Because one party system has no democratic option
2. Why did India adopt multi-party system? [CBSE 2016]

Ans. India adopted multi-party system because:
a. India is a large country and has social and geographical diverges.
b. It is easy to absorb different social and geographical diversities in a multi-party
systems.
3. Name the alliance formed by the Congress Party. [CBSE 2016]

Ans. United Progressive Alliance (UPA)
4. Which party was the principal opposition party in Lok Sabha in 2004? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
5. Name any one political party that has national level political organization but not
recognized as the national political party. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Samajwadi Party/Samata Party/Rashtriya Janata Dal.
6. What is meant by „Political Party‟? [CBSE 2015]

Ans. A political party is a group of people come together to contest elections to hold power
in the government.
7. What is the guiding philosophy of Bharatiya Janata Party? [CBSE 2015]

Ans. a. Cultural nationalism
b. India's ancient culture and values
8. What is the requirement laid down by the Election Commission for a political party to
be recognized as a ‟State Party'? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. A party that secures at least six percent of the total votes in an election to the
Legislative Assembly of a state and wins at least two seats is recognized as a state
party.
9. Name any two regional parties of West Bengal. [CBSE 2015]

Ans. Two regional parties of West Bengal are:
a. Marxist Forward Bloc
b. Trinamool Congress
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
10. If all the decisions of a political party are made by a single family and all other
members are neglected, then what challenge is being faced by that
party? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Challenge of dynastic succession.
11. What is the role of the opposition party in a democracy? [CBSE (Al) 2017]
OR
Explain three functions of opposition political parties. [CBSE Delhi 2019]
Ans. Those parties that lose elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power.
The role played by the opposition is:
• It gives its own opinion which may oppose the ruling party.
• The opposition party mobilises opposition to the government.
• It puts its different views in the parliament and criticises the government for its
failures or wrong policies.
• By doing this, it can keep a check on the ruling party, which is made to move on
track.
12. What is meant by a „national political party‟? State the conditions required to be a
national political party. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. National political party have units in the various states, they follow the same policies,
programmes and strategy that is decided at the national level.
Conditions required:
a. A party that secures at least 6% of the total votes in general elections of Lok
Sabha or assembly elections in four states.
b. Wins at least 4 seats in Lok Sabha.
13. Which three challenges do you feel are being faced by political parties in India ? Give
your Opinion. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. The three challenges faced by political parties in India are:
a. Lack of internal democracy.
b. Challenge of dynastic succession.
c. Growing role of money and muscle power.
d. Often parties do not seem to offer a meaningful choice to the voters.
14. What is a multi-party system? Why has India adopted a multi-party system?
Explain. [CBSE 2015]
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
Ans. Multi-party system: If several parties compete for power and more than two parties
have a reasonable chance of coming to power either on their own strength or in
alliance with others, we call it a multiparty system.
India adopted a Multi-party system because:
a. There is social and geographical diversity in India.
b. India is such a large country which is not easily absorbed by two or three parties.
c. The system allows a variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political
representation.
15. State the conditions as laid down by the Election Commission to recognize a „state
party 1 and „national party‟. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. The difference between a state and a national party can be identified as follows:
a. In a state party, the party members aim to highlight the regional interests. On the
other hand, a national party gives due importance to national interests.
b. A state party can contest in elections only in a particular state, whereas a national
party can contest in elections all across the country.
c. Example: BJP and Congress are national parties, whereas Akali Dal and
Trinamool Congress are state level parties.
16. Name the national political party which espouses secularism and welfare of weaker
sections and minorities. Mention any four features of that party. [CBSE 2013]
Ans. The national political party which espouses secularism and welfare of weaker
sections and minorities is the Indian National Congress.
Four features of this party are listed below:
a. Founded in 1885.
b. Dominated Indian politics, both at the national and state levels, for several
decades after India‟s independence.
c. Ruling party at the centre till 1977 and then from 1980 to 1989. After 1989, its
support declined.
d. A centrist party (neither rightist nor leftist) in its ideological orientation.
17. The Bahujan Samaj Party stands for what cause? [CBSE 2011]
Ans. Securing the interest of the oppressed people.
18. Describe any five major functions of political parties performed in a

democracy. [CBSE 2018]
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
Ans. In a democracy political parties performed the following major functions:
1. Parties 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.
2. Parties put forward different policies and programmes and the voters choose
from them. In a democracy, a large number of similar opinions have to be
grouped together to provide a direction in which policies can be formulated by the
governments. A government is expected to base its policies on the line taken by
the Ruling party.
3. Parties play a decisive role in making laws for a country. Formally laws are
debated and passed in the legislature. But since most of the members belong to
a party, they go by the direction of the party leadership, irrespective of their
person opinions.
4. Parties form and run governments. Parties recruit leaders, train them and then
make them ministers to run the government in the way they want.
5. Those parties that lose in the elections play the role of opposition to the parties in
power by voicing different views and criticising government for its failure or wrong
policies.
6. Parties shape public opinion. They raise and highlight issues. Parties sometimes
also launch movements for the resolution ,of problems faced by people. Often
opinions in the society crystallise on the lines parties take.
7. Parties provide people access to government machinery and welfare schemes
implemented by governments.
19. “Political parties are a necessary condition for a democracy." Analyse the statement
with examples. [CBSE 2016]
OR
Why can‟t modern democracies exist without the political parties? Explain any four
reasons. [CBSE II, 2015, 2011]
Ans. “Political parties are a necessary condition for a democracy” because:
1. Without political parties, democracies cannot exist.
2. If we do not have political parties; in such a situation every candidate in elections
will be independent.
3. No one will be able to make any promises to the people about any major policy
changes.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
4. The government may be formed but its utility will remain uncertain.
5. Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency for what they do
in their locality.
6. But no one will be responsible for how the country will run.
7. The role of opposition party in a democracy necessitates the existence of political
parties.
8. As societies become large and complex they also need some agencies to gather
different views on various issues and to present these to the government, that‟s
why political parties are needed.
20. Explain any four problem areas in the working of political parties. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. a. Lack of internal democracy: The first challenge is lack of internal democracy
within parties. Concentration of power in one or few leaders at the top.
b. Dynastic succession: Favour people close to them or even their family members.
In many parties, the top positions are always controlled by members of one
family.
c. Money and muscle power: The third challenge is about growing role of money
and muscle power in parties, especially during elections.
d. Meaningful choice: The fourth challenge is that very often parties do not seem to
offer a meaningful choice to the voters.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
FEDERALISM
1. Why was States Reorganization Commission formed? [CBSE S.R 2016-17]

Ans. States Reorganization Commission was formed in 1954 to recommend creation of
States on the linguistic basis.
2. How do the Central and State Governments enjoy their power in federal
system? [CBSE S.R 2016-17]
Ans. Under the unitary system, either there is only one level of government or the subunits
are subordinate to the central government whereas in federal system, power is
distributed between centre and state.
3. In which list of the Indian Constitution does education come?

Why? [CBSE S.R 2016-17]
Ans. Education comes under concurrent list so that both the centre and the states can
legislate on any aspect of education.
4. How many seats are reserved for women in the local bodies in India? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. At least one-third of the seats are reserved for women in the local bodies in India.
5. What other factors besides politics keep the federations united? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Besides politics other factors that keep federations united are:
(i) Power sharing arrangements between the central and state governments
(ii) Independent role of judiciary
(ill) Language ethnicity
(iv) Response to conflicting claims and
(v) Active participation of the people. (any two)
6. What is the official post for the chairperson of a municipal

corporation? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Mayor is the official post for the chairperson of a municipal corporation.
7. What status has been given to Hindi by the Constitution of India? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Official language of the country.
8. Which subjects are included in the Union List? [CBSE 2014]

Ans. Defence of the nation, foreign affairs, banking, currency, communication.
9. Which local body has a „Mayor‟ as its head? [CBSE 2014]

Ans. Municipal Corporation
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
10. Define the term federalism. [Delhi 2010]
Ans. Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a
central authority and various constituent units of the country. Both these levels
of the government the central and the state—enjoy their powers independent of
each other.
11. How is sharing of power between the Union and the State Governments basic to the
structure of the Constitution of India? Explain. [AI Ajmer 2019]
Ans. The power sharing arrangement in our country is mainly based on the quasifederal
nature of the federation. The constitution, therefore, clearly provides a three-fold
distribution of legislative powers between the union government and the state
government. These folds are:
(a) Union List: Union List is the first fold of the three List system. It includes subjects
of national importance because we need a uniform policy on the Union List
subjects throughout the country.
The Parliament is solely empowered to enact laws on the Union List subjects.
Defence, atomic energy, foreign affairs, railways, banking, posts and telegraphs are
the important Union List subjects.
(b) State List: State List is the second fold of the three-fold division. This list contains
subjects of state and local importance such as police, trade and commerce,
agriculture and irrigation. The state legislature alone can make laws relating to
the subjects mentioned in the State List.
(c) Concurrent List: This list constitutes the third fold of the List system. The
Concurrent list includes subjects of common interest to both, the Union
government as well as the State government, such as education, forests, trade
unions, marriages,adoption and succession. Both the Union as well as the State
governments can make laws on the Concurrent List. If their laws conflict with
each other, the law made by the Union Government will prevail.
12. Describe any three provisions of amendment made in Indian constitution in 1992 for
making. „Three-Tier' government more effective and powerful. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. a. Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government
bodies.
b. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these
institutions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward
Classes.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
c. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
d. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been
created in each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
e. The state governments are required to share some powers and revenue with
local government bodies.
13. “India has a large cultural, regional and religious diversity. But there is unity among
people”. What factors are responsible for this? Elaborate. [CBSE 2016-17]
Ans. a. Right to equality.
b. No discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, region or religion.
c. SCs & STs have some seats reserved and do get representation.
d. Right to freedom of religion and cultural and educational rights.
14. Explain the factors that make federal government in India so attractive. [CBSE 2017]
Ans. a. Mobilization
b. Administrative knowledge of the people at all the levels.
c. Efficacy to solve all kinds of issues at respective levels.
15. Differentiate between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Gram Panchayat is a council consisting of several ward members often called panch
and a head or Sarpanch. It is the decision making body for the village. The
Panchayat works under the overall supervision of the gram sabha. All the voters in
the village are its members.
16. What are the three lists given in the Constitution? [CBSE 2014]
OR
Describe the three-fold distribution of legislative power between the Union
Government and State Governments of India. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. The three-fold distribution of legislative powers:
a. Union list: Union lists consist of 97 subjects. It includes subjects of national
importance such as defence of the country, foreign affairs, banking,
communication and currency.
b. State list: State list consists of 66 subjects. It contains subjects of state and local
importance such as police, trade, commerce, agriculture and irrigation.
c. Concurrent list: Concurrent list consist of 47 subjects It includes subjects of
common interest to both such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage,
adoption and succession.
17. Do you take decentralisation as means to minimise the conflicts? [CBSE 2015]
OR
Describe the significance of decentralisation. [CBSE 2011]
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
Ans. Importance of Decentralisation
a. It helps in the settlement of a large number of problems and issues at the local
level.
b. It provides a platform for the direct participation of people in decision-making.
c. In another way, decentralization in the form of „local self government‟ is the best
way to realize principles of Democracy.
18. Explain any five provisions of the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 that
strengthened the third tier of government in India. [CBSE 2016-17]
Ans. The Constitution was amended in 1992 to make the third tier of democracy more
powerful and effective.
a. Now it is mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
institutions for SC, ST and OBCs.
c. At least l/3rd of all positions and seats are reserved for women.
d. An independent institution called State Election Commission has been created in
each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
e. The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenue with
local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from state to state.
19. Explain any five key features of federalism. [CBSE 2014]

OR
Describe the main features of federalism. [CBSE 2014]
OR
Enlist any five features of federalism. [CBSE S.R 2013, 2012]
OR
Mention any five main features which makes India a federal
country. [CBSE S.R 2012, 2011]
Ans. Main Features of Federalism:
a. There are two or more levels of government. India has three levels.
b. Each level of government has its own jurisdiction in matters of legislation,
taxation and administration even though they govern the same citizens.
c. Power and functions of each tier of government is specified and guaranteed by
Constitution.
d. The Supreme Court has been given power to settle disputes between different
levels of governments.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
e. Fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be altered by any‟ one level of
government. It applies to India also.
f. Sources of revenue between different levels is specified by the Constitution,
g. There is mutual trust and agreement between the government at different levels.
20. Explain five changes towards decentralisation brought in the Constitution after the
Amendments made in 1992. [CBSE 2012]
OR
What is the meaning of decentralisation? Explain any four provisions that have been
made towards decentralisation in India after the Constitutional Amendment
in 1992. [CBSE S.R 2012, S.R 2016-17]
OR
Which five provisions of the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 strengthen the third
tier of democracy in India? Explain. [CBSE 2012]
OR
Explain any four provisions that have been made towards decentralisation in India
after the Constitutional Amendment in 1992? [CBSE 2011]
OR
What is meant by "decentralisation of powers”? Explain the importance of local self
government in the light of decentralization. [CBSE 2011]
OR
How has the third tier of government in our country been made more effective and
powerful by the constitutional amendment of 1992? [CBSE 2011]
OR
Describe any four Constitutional steps taken in 1992 towards decentralisation in
India. [CBSE 2011, 2010]
Ans. Decentralisation: When power is taken from 'Central and State Governments and is
given to the local government, it is called decentralisation. The Constitution was
amended in 1992 to make the third tier of democracy more powerful and effective.
Provisions of the Constitutional Amendment of 1992 are:
a. Now it is mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
institutions for SCs. STs and OBCs.
c. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
d. An independent institution called State Election Commission has been created in
each state to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
e. The state governments are required to share some powers and revenue with
local government bodies.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY
VERY SHORT ASWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)
1. What is meant by economic inequality? [CBSE 2016]

Ans. It refers to disparities in the distribution of economic assets and income.
2. In which area does democracy fail to achieve the same results as in

dictatorship? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Economic development.
3. Which form of government is better- democratic or non-democratic? [CBSE 2015]

Ans. Democratic government is better.
4. What is meant by transparency? [CBSE 2015]

Ans. To examine the process of decision-making in a democracy is known as
transparency.
5. Why is democratic government better than other alternatives? [CBSE 2015]

Ans. a. It promotes equality among citizens.
b. It enhances the dignity of the individual.
6. Which form of government is considered the best? [CBSE 2015]

Ans. Democratic form of government.
7. How does democracy produce an accountable government? [CBSE 2015]

Ans. Democratic form of government.
8. What is meant by transparency? [2015]

Ans. Right or means to examine the process of decision-making is called transparency.
9. Which form of government is considered the best? [2015]

Ans. Democratic form of government is considered the best as it enhances dignity of the
individual by giving every person equal treatment.
10. Establish the relationship between democracy and development. [CBSE 2016]
OR
Explain the relationship between democracy and development. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Relationship between democracy and development are:
a. Democracies are expected to produce development.
b. Development depends upon many factors, i.e., size of population, global
situation, cooperation from other countries, etc. In democracies, time is taken on
discussion and reaching at a decision. So, it is slow, but it is not unjust or
inappropriate.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
11. “Democratic government is legitimate government.” Support the statement with
arguments. [CBSE 2016]
OR
Why is democratic government known as legitimate government? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. a. A democratic government is called legitimate government because it is people‟s
own government .
b. It maybe slow, less efficient and not very responsive and clean, but it is people‟s
government .
c. There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.
People of South Asia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Nepal have no
doubt about the suitability of democracy for their own country.
d. People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. Democracy‟s ability
to generate its own support makes it more legitimate.
12. “Democracy accommodates social diversities”. Support the statement with

examples. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. “Democracy accommodates social diversities”:
a. Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition. This reduces the
possibility of these tensions becoming explosive or violent.
b. No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups.
But we can certainly learn to respect these differences and can evolve a
mechanism to negotiate these differences.
c. Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite plus
point of democratic regimes.
d. Example: Belgium has successfully negotiated differences among its ethnic
population. This reduces the possibility of tensions.
13. “A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of

democratic project.” Justify the statement. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. “A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of
democratic project” as:
a. It shows that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect.
b. People look critically at power holders. They want to make democracy better.
c. They come up with expressions and complaints.
d. They value their democratic rights.
14. What are the two conditions to accommodate social diversities in a democracy?
Mention any one exception to this. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. a. It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply rule by majority. The
majority always needs to work with minority so that governments function to
represent the general view.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
b. It is also necessary that rule by majority does not become rule by majority
community in terms of religion or race or linguistic group.
The exception is Sri Lanka where majoritarianism followed.
15. “Democracy is seen to be good in principle but felt to be not so good in practice.”
Justify the statement. [CBSE 2013]
Ans. Democracy is seen to be good in principles but not in practice because of the
following reasons:
a. The decision-making process in democracy is time taking, whereby justice
delayed is justice denied.
b. The tyranny of the majority overrides the will of the minority.
c. Corruption and red-tapism dominates the functioning of democracies.
d. An illiterate and uninformed electorate fails to give itself a legitimate and
accountable government.
e. The role of charismatic leaders and dynastic politics dominates political cultures.
16. What outcomes can one reasonably expect of democracies? [CBSE 2012]
Ans. The outcomes one can reasonably expect of the democracy are:
a. In the political sphere – Right to vote, right to contest.
b. In the economic sphere – minimised economic inequalities.
c. In the social sphere – Equal protection to women. SCs, STs and OBCs.
17. How does a democracy produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate
government? [CBSE 2012]
Ans. A democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government as:
a. People have a right to choose their rulers and have control over the rulers.
b. Whenever possible and necessary, they should participate in decision-making on
issues that affect them all.
c. Democracy produces a government which is accountable to the citizens.
d. Democracy is based on the idea of liberation and negotiation.
e. Decision-making is based on norms and procedures and its transparency.
18. Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting
dignity and freedom of the individual”. Justify this statement. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. a. Democracy stand much superior to any other form of government in promoting
dignity and freedom of the individual. The passion for respect and freedom are
the basis of democracy. Democracies throughout the world have recognised this,
at least in principle.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
b. This has been achieved in various degrees in various democracies. For societies
which have been built for long on the basis of subordination and domination, it is
not a simple matter to recognize that all individuals are equal.
c. Most societies across the world were historically male dominated societies. Long
struggles by women have created some sensitivity today that
respect to and equal treatment of women are necessary ingredients of a
democratic society.
d. In a non-democratic set up. this unacceptability would not have legal basis
because the principle of individual freedom and dignity would not have the legal
and moral force there.
e. Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and
discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
19. Evidence shows that in practice, many democracies did not fulfill the expectations of
producing economic development in the country. Validate the statement with the help
of relevant example. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. a. If we consider all democracies and all dictatorships for the fifty years between
1950 and „2000. dictatorships have slightly higher rate of economic growth.
b. Economic development depends on several factors : country's population size,
global situation, cooperation from other countries, economic priorities adopted by
the country, etc.
c. However, the difference in the rates of economic development between less
developed countries with dictatorships and democracies is negligible.
d. Overall, it cannot be said that democracy is a guarantee of economic
development. But we can expect democracy not to lag behind dictatorships in this
respect.
e. With such a significant difference in the rates of economic growth between
countries under dictatorship and democracy, it is better to prefer democracy as it
has several other positive
For example: North Korea has higher rate of economic growth than India.
20. “Democracies lead to peaceful and harmonious life among citizens.” Support the
statement with any three suitable arguments. [CBSE 2013, 12]
Ans. The statement is correct that democracy leads to peaceful and harmonious life.
Arguments for the statement:
a. Democracies accommodate various social divisions.
b. Democracies usually develop a procedure to conduct competitions. This reduces
the possibility of these tensions becoming explosive or violent.
c. No doubt, no society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different
groups. We can certainly learn to respect these differences.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
POWER SHARING
1. Why is power sharing desirable? [AI Ajmer 2019]

Ans. Power sharing is desirable to resolve disputes over exercising of power, to unite the
diversities by making them party to the decision making process and to ensure the
stability of the political order.
2. Differentiate between community government in Belgium and majoritarian

government in Sri Lanka. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. In Belgium, all the benefits of economic development and education was given to
Dutch speaking communities as well as French Minority community while in Sri
Lanka, the government adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish
Sinhala supremacy on Tamils.
3. How and when was Sinhala recognized as the official language of

Sri Lanka? [CBSE S.R. 2017]
Ans. Sinhala was recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka by passing an
Act in 1956.
4. What does the system of „checks and balances‟ ensure in power

sharing? [CBSE S.R. 2016-17]
Ans. That none of the organs of the government can exercise unlimited power.
5. Mention any one characteristics of power sharing. [CBSE S.R. 2016-17]

Ans. It gives the people right to be consulted or any other characteristics.
6. After independence, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of which

community? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. After independence in 1948, Sri Lanka witnessed the supremacy of Sinhala
community.
7. Which factor is responsible for increasing the feeling of alienation among the Sri
Lankan Tamils? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Majoritarianism.
8. Which type of powers does the Community Government of Belgium

enjoy? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. This government has the power regarding culture, education and language related
issues.
9. Who formed the majority in terms of population in Sri Lanka? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Sinhala community.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
10. What is the prudential reason behind power sharing. [CBSE 2014]
OR
Why power sharing is good for democracies?
Ans. It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups.
11. “Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united.” Do you agree with
this statement and why? [CBSE S.R. 2016-17]
OR
“Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy". Justify this statement with three
suitable points. [CBSE 2012]
OR
How far do you agree with the statement that power sharing is keeping with the
“Spirit" of democracy? [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Power sharing keeps up with the „Spirit‟ of Democracy as:
a. Power sharing ensures that all people have stake in government.
b. Power sharing ensures maximum participation. It upholds the concept of
people‟s rule. It always brings better outcomes in democracy. It ensures the
political stability in democracy.
c. Power sharing accommodates diverse groups. It helps to reduce the possibility of
conflict between social groups.
12. Sharing of powers makes a country more powerful and united‟. Justify the
statement. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Sharing of power makes a country more powerful and united because of the following
reasons.
(i) Power sharing ensures that all people have stake in government.
(ii) Power sharing ensures maximum participation. It upholds the concept of people‟s
rule. It always brings better outcomes in democracy. It ensures the political
stability in democracy.
(iii) Power sharing accommodates diverse groups. It helps to reduce the possibility of
conflict between social groups.
13. Describe any three „majoritarian measures‟ taken by the Sri Lankan Government to
establish Sinhala supremacy. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. The following are the majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan government
to establish Sinhala supremacy.
(a) In the year 1956, an act was passed, which established Sinhala as the official
language to be used in Sri Lanka disregarding the minority group of Tamils. The
passing of this act created a feeling of alienation among the minority group, i.e.
Sri Lankan Tamils and they started to feel left-out from the society.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
(b) The government then started adopting and formulating government policies that
favoured the Sinhala people in government jobs and for university positions,
which made the Sri Lankan Tamils feel ousted.
(c) The Sri Lankan Government further proclaimed that they shall foster and protect
only Buddhism as their Sate religion and refused to cater to any other religion
disregarding the religion of Sri Lankan Tamils.
14. How can power be shared among governments at different levels?

Explain. [CBSE 2014]
OR
Explain the vertical division of power giving example from India. [CBSE 2012]
Ans : Vertical division of power: Vertical division of power means sharing of power among
governments at different levels.
In India, there are three levels of the government:
a. For the entire country: Central Government/Union Government.
b. At the provincial level: State Governments.
c. At the local level (i.e., rural and urban): Local self governments like panchayats
and municipal councils.
15. Describe any three majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan Government to
establish Sinhala supremacy. [CBSE 2013, 2012]
OR
Describe any three provisions of the Act which was passed in Sri Lanka in 1956 to
establish Sinhala supremacy. [CBSE 2012]
OR
Why did the Sri Lankan Tamils feel alienated in spite of their long stay in Sri
Lanka? [CBSE 2012]
OR
Explain three measures taken by Sri Lanka, according to an Act passed
in 1956. [CBSE 2012]
OR
Which three provisions of the Act passed in Sri Lanka in 1956 established Sinhala
supremacy? [CBSE 2012]
OR
Why Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated? [CBSE 2011]
OR
What were the reasons for the alienation of Sri Lankan Tamils? What was the effect
of this on the country? [CBSE 2011, 2010]
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
Ans. Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated because:
1. Government adopted majoritarian measure to establish Sinhala Supremacy. In
1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language thus
disregarding Tamil.
2. The governments followed preferential politics that favoured Sinhala applicants
for university positions and government jobs.
3. A new Constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
4. Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist
Sinhala
leaders were sensitive to their language and culture.
5. As a result, the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained
overtime and it soon turned into a Civil War.
16. Compare the different ways in which the Belgians and the Sri Lankans have dealt
with the problem of cultural diversity. [CBSE 2012, 2011]
Ans. The Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional and cultural diversities.
a. They amended their Constitution four times so as to work out an innovative
arrangement that would enable everyone to live together in peace and harmony,
i.e., there was sharing of power between the Dutch and the French both in the
Central Government, State Government and Community Government. They
followed a policy of accommodation.
b. This helped to avoid civic strife and division of the country on linguistic lines.
c. On the other hand, the Sinhalese who were in majority in Sri Lanka as compared
to the Tamils followed a policy of majoritarianism and adopted a series of
measures to stablish Sinhala Supremacy by passing an Act of 1956. These
measures alienated the Tamils leading to civic strife between the two
communities.
17. Give reasons why power sharing is desirable. [CBSE S.R. 2015, 2012]
OR
Why power sharing is necessary in democracy? Explain. [CBSE 2011]
OR
Write one prudential and one moral reason for power sharing. [CBSE 2011]
OR
Why is power sharing desirable? Explain moral reasons in this regard. [CBSE 2012]
OR
Why power sharing is desirable? Explain giving any three prudential
reasons. [CBSE 2012]
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
Ans. Power sharing is desirable in democracy because:
(i) Prudential reasons:
(a) It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since
social conflict often leads to violence and political instability.
(b) It is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.
(c) Imposing the will of majority community over others may look like an attractive
option in the short run. but in the long run it undermines the unity of the
nation.
(ii) Moral reasons:
(a) Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves
sharing power with those affected by its exercise and who have to live with its
effect.
(b) People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
(c) A legitimate government is one where citizens through participation, acquire a
stake in the system.
18. Compare the situation of Belgium and Sri Lanka considering their location, size
and cultural aspects. [Delhi 2019]
Ans. The location, size and cultural aspects of Belgium and Sri Lanka are as follows:
Belgium Sri Lanka
(a) It is a small country in Europe. (a) It is an island nation.
(b) It has borders with France, the (b) It is just a few kilometres off the southern
Netherlands, Germany and coast of Tamil Nadu.
Luxembourg.
(c) It has a population of a little (c) It has about 2 crore people.
over one crore.
(d) The ethnic composition is very (d) It has a diverse population.
complex.
(e) 59% population lives in the (e) The major social groups are the Sinhala
Flemish region and speaks speakers and the Tamil speakers. Among
Dutch language. 40% people Tamils there are two sub-groups - Sri
live in the Wallonia region and Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils. Most
speak French. Remaining 1% of the Sinhala-speaking people are
of the Belgians speak German. Buddhists, while most of the Tamils are
In Brussels, 80% people speak Hindus or Muslims. There are about 7%
French while 20% are Dutch- Christians, who are both Tamil and
speaking. Sinhala.
PREVIOUS YEAR
CIVICS
QUESTIONS-X
19. How majoritarianism has increased the feeling of alienation among the Sri Lankan
Tamils? Explain. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Sri Lankan Tamils felt alienated because:
1. Government adopted majoritarian measure to establish Sinhala Supremacy. In
1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only, official language thus
disregarding Tamil.
2. The governments followed preferential politics that favoured Sinhala applicants
for university positions and government jobs.
3. A new Constitution stipulated that the state shall protect and foster Buddhism.
4. Sri Lankan Tamils felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist
Sinhala leaders were sensitive to their language and culture.
5. As a result, the relations between the Sinhala and Tamil communities strained
overtime and it soon turned into a Civil War.
20. Explain how Belgium was able to solve its ethnic problem. [CBSE 2013]
OR
Explain the power sharing arrangement in Belgium. [CBSE 2011]
OR
State the main elements of the power sharing model evolved in
Belgium. [CBSE 2011]
Ans. The main elements of the power-sharing model evolved in Belgium were:
1. Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers
shall be equal in the Central Government. Some special laws require the support
of majority of members from each linguistic group. Thus, no single community
can make decisions unilaterally.
2. Many powers of the Central Government have been given to State Governments
of the two regions of the country. The State Governments are not subordinated to
the Central Government.
3. Brussels had a separate government in which both the communities have equal
representation. The French- speaking people accepted equal representation in
Brussels because the Dutch speaking community has accepted equal
representation in the Central Government.
4. Apart from the central and the state government, there is a third kind of
government called the Community Government.
5. This community government is elected by people belonging to one language
community—Dutch, French and German-speaking. This government has the
power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
AGRICULTURE
1. Which country is the first largest producer of rice? [CBSE 2017]

Ans. China.
2. Which is the leading coffee producer state in India? [CBSE S.R 2016-17]
Ans. Karnataka.
3. In which type of soil does maize grow well? [CBSE 2016]

Ans. Old alluvial.
4. Name some rabi crops. [CBSE 2015]

Ans. Wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard.
5. India is the largest producer as well as consumer of which agricultural product in the
world? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Pulses.
6. Name the state which is the largest producer of ragi. [CBSE2013]

Ans. Karnataka is the largest producer of ragi.
7. In which country the ‗slash and burn' agriculture is known as ‗Roca‘? [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Brazil.
8. Name the crops for which India is the largest producer in the world. [CBSE 2011]
Ans. Fruits and vegetables, oilseeds and pulses
9. Mention the sowing period of kharif crops. [Delhi 2010]

Ans. Kharif crops are sown with the onset of monsoon in different parts of the country.
10. Mention the sowing period of rabi crops. [Delhi 2010]

Ans. Rabi crops are sown in winter from October to December.
11. Describe any three main features of ‗Rabi crop season.‘ [Delhi 2019]
Ans. (a) Rabi crops are sown in winter from October to December and harvested in
summer from April to June.
(b) Some of the important rabi crops are wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard.
(c) Northern and northwestern states such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh,
Jammu and Kashmir, Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh are important for the
production of rabi crops.
(d) Success of rabi crops depend on the availability of precipitation during winter
months due to the western temperate cyclones. (any three)
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
12. ―Dense and efficient network of transport is a pre-requisite for local and national
development‖. Analyse the statement. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. a. The pace of development of country depends upon the production of goods and
services as well as their movement over space. Therefore efficient means of
transport are pre-requisite for national development.
b. Today, the world has been converted into a large village with the help of efficient
an d fast moving transport system.
c. The trades from local to international levels have added to the vitality of our
economy with the help of dense and efficient network of transport in the country.
It has enriched our life and added substantially to growing amenities and facilities
for the comforts of life.
13. Which crop is known as the ‗golden fibre‘? Explain any two geographical conditions
essential for the cultivation of this crop. Mention its any four
uses. [CBSE S.R 2016-17]
Ans. a. Jute is called the golden fibre.
b. Geographical conditions:
c. Grows well in drained fertile soil of the flood plains where the soil is renewed
every year.
d. High temperature is required during the time of growth.
Uses: Can be used to manufacture gunny bags, mats, ropes, yam, carpets and other
artefacts.
14. Mention any two geographical conditions required for the growth of maize crop in
India. Describe any three factors which have contributed to increase in maize
production. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Geographical conditions required for the growth of maize crop in India:
a. It is a kharif crop which requires temperature between 21°C to 27°C.
b. It grows well in alluvial soil.
Use of modern inputs such as HYV seeds, fertilisers and irrigation have contributed
to the increasing production of maize.
15. Why has the agriculture sector in India got a major setback in spite of increase in the
GDP growth rate? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. a. More and more land is used for construction of factories, warehouses and
shelters which reduced the land under cultivation.
b. Soil gets degraded by the use of pesticides, fertilizers, over irrigation, etc., which
leads to water logging and salinity.
c. Today Indian farmers are facing a big challenge from international competition.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
d. Our government is reducing the public investment in agriculture, subsidy on
fertilizers have decreased.
e. Reduction in import duties on agricultural products have proved detrimental to
agriculture in the country.
16. What are the climatic conditions required for the growth of rice? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Climatic conditions required for the growth of rice:
a. It is a Kharif crop which requires high temperature (above 25°C).
b. High humidity with annual rainfall above 100 cm.
c. In the areas of less rainfall, it grows with the help of irrigation.
d. It is grown in the plains of north and north-easten India, coastal areas and the
deltaic regions.
e. Development of dense network of canal irrigation and tubewells have made it
possible to grow* rice in areas of less rainfall such as Punjab and Haryana.
17. Suggest any five measures to enhance the agricultural production in

India. [CBSE 2014]
OR
Explain any five institutional and technical reforms brought by the government to
improve the condition of Indian Agriculture. [CBSE 2012, 2011, 2010]
OR
Describe any five steps taken by the government of India to increase the productivity
of agriculture in India. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. 1. Land reforms: Collectivisation, consolidation of holdings, cooperation and
abolition of zamindari.
2. Agricultural reforms: Green revolution and White revolution.
3. Land development programmes: Provision for crop insurance against drought,
flood, cyclone, etc, establishment of Grameen banks, Cooperative societies and
banks for providing loans.
4. Issuing of Kissan Credit Card and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, etc.
5. Special weather bulletins and agricultural programmes for farmers on radio
and TV.
6. Government announces Minimum Support Price (MSP) and remunerative and
procurement prices to check exploitation.
7. The government provides HYV seeds and fertilisers.
8. Government provides technical assistance and training for farmers.
9. Soil testing facilities, cold storage and transportation facilities are provided by
government for farmers.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
18. Name the two major beverage crops grown in India. Describe their growing
areas. [AI Ajmer 2019]
Ans. The two major beverage crops grown in India are—tea and coffee.
Their growing areas:
Tea: It grows well in areas having tropical and sub-tropical conditions, with deep and
fertile well-drained soil, rich in humus and organic matter. Major tea-producing states
are Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Coffee: Its cultivation was introduced on the Baba Budan Hills and even today its
cultivation is confined to the Nilgiri in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
19. Name the two most important staple food crops in India. Mention the geographical
conditions required for their growth. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. The two most important staple food crops in India are rice and wheat.
(i) The geographical conditions required for the growth of rice are as follows.
(a) It requires high temperature – above 25°C.
(b) It requires high humidity for its growth.
(c) It requires annual rainfall above 100 cm.
(ii) The geographical conditions required for the growth of wheat are as follows.
(a) It is a rabi crop and needs cool growing season.
(b) It requires bright sunshine at the time of ripening.
(c) It also requires 50 to 70 cm of annual rainfall, well distributed over the
growing season.
20. Mention the geographical conditions required for the growth of cotton along with any
four cotton-producing states. [CBSE 2013]
Ans. Cotton is a kharif crop. India is believed to be the original home of the cotton plants.
The geographical conditions required for the growth of cotton are as follows.
(a) Cotton grows in the drier parts of the black cotton soil of the Deccan Plateau.
(b) Cotton needs high temperature, light rainfall, 210 forest-free days and bright
sunshine for its growth.
(c) It requires 6 to 8 months to grow.
(d) Major cotton-producing states are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and
Karnataka.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
1. Why is the „least cost‟ known as decision making factor for ideal location of an
industry? [Delhi 2015]
Ans. Least cost is the key factor that determines the location of an industry because
industry tends to be located at a place where factors of production are either
available or can be arranged at low cost.
2. Why has the „National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council‟ been

set up? [All India 2015]
Ans. National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) has been set up with the
objective of appropriate policy intervention, by the Government and renewed efforts,
by the industry to improve productivity and achieve its target over the next decade.
3. Which two prime factors are important for the location of „Aluminium Smelting‟
industry? [Foreign 2015]
Ans. The two prime factors for the location of aluminium smelting industry are:
(a) Regular and cheap supply of electricity.
(b) Assured supply of raw material at minimum cost.
4. What is manufacturing? [CBSE 2012]

Ans. Production of goods in large quantities after processing from raw material to more
valuable products is called as manufacturing.
5. Name the industry which uses limestone as its main raw material. [Delhi 2010]
Ans. Cement and Iron and Steel industry uses limestone as its main raw material.
6. What is agglomeration economies? [Foreign 2010]

Ans. Many industries that tend to come together to make use of the advantages offered by
the urban centers like markets and services arc known as agglomeration economies.
7. Name the river-basin where jute industries are concentrated in India. [Foreign 2010]
Ans. The river-basin where jute industries are concentrated in India is Hugli river-basin.
8. Name the region which has maximum concentration of iron and steel
industries. [Foreign 2010]
Ans. Chotanagpur plateau region in Jharkhand has maximum concentration of iron and
steel industries.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
9. How has the ever increasing number of industries in India made worse position by
exerting pressure on existing fresh water resources? Explain. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. a. Industries apart from being heavy users of water also require power to run them.
b. Today large industrial houses are as common place as the industrial units of
many MNCs are exerting pressure on freshwater sources.
c. Industrialisation followed by the urbanization multiplying the problems of water
scarcity and exerting pressure on water sources causing their depletion.
10. Analyse the role of the manufacturing sector in the economic development of
India. [All India 2017]
Ans. Manufacturing sector, like Cotton textile. Iron and Steel industry, etc. is considered as
the backbone of economic development of a country because of the following
reasons:
(а) It helps in modernizing agriculture.
(b) Industries help in providing jobs in secondary and tertiary sectors.
(c) It reduces the burden of employment on agriculture and thus reduces poverty.
(d) It brings down the regional disparities by establishing industries in tribal and
backward areas.
(e) Export of manufactured goods expands trade and commerce which leads to
bringing in the much needed foreign exchange.
11. Why do we have maximum concentration of iron and steel industry in Chota Nagpur
Plateau region? Give any three regions. [CBSE 2016]
OR
Why has the Chota Nagpur Region maximum concentration of iron and steel
industries? Explain any three. [CBSE 2015, 2014, 2011]
Ans. Factors responsible for concentration of iron and steel industries in Chhota Nagpur
Plateau:
a. Low cost of iron-ore
b. High grade raw material in proximity.
c. Cheap labour.
d. Vast growth potential in the home market.
e. Good transport connectivity.
f. Availability of water resources.
12. Why was the cotton textile industry concentrated in the cotton growing belt in the
early years? Explain. [CBSE 2015]
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
Ans. Cotton textile industry was concentrated in the cotton growing belt in the early years
because:
a. Availability of raw cotton e.g. belt of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
b. Nearness to market.
c. Transport
d. Port facilities
e. Cheap labour
f. Moist climate.
13. „Environmental degradation has been everywhere.‟ Explain any three values that can
help to prevent environmental degradation. [Delhi 2014]
Ans. Following values can be adopted to prevent environmental degradation.
(a) Proper water management: Stress on recycling and reuse of water and proper
treatment of discharged water.
(b) Control air pollution: Spread awareness to install electrostatic precipitators,
fabric filters in factories. Encourage use of oil and gas instead of coal.
(c) Educate people for proper management of solid waste. Separate biodegradable
and non-biodegradable waste and dispose accordingly. Non-biodegradable
waste can be recycled and reused.
14. Classify industries on the basis of bulk and weight of raw material and finished goods
into two categories. Mention any two features of each category. [Foreign 2013]
Ans. On the basis of bulk and weight of raw materials and finished goods, industries can
be classified into:
(a) Heavy industry such as iron and steel.
(b) Light industries that use light raw-materials and produce light goods such as
electrical industries.
The two features of heavy industries are:
(a) They produce those goods which are used by other industries.
(b) They satisfy our wants indirectly.
The two features of light industries are:
(a) They produce consumer goods like electrical bulbs, sewings machines etc.
(b) They produce goods which satisfy our wants indirectly, e.g. fuse wires.
15. “The iron and steel industry is the basic as well as heavy industry.” Support the
statement with three points. [CBSE 2012]
OR
Why is iron and steel industry called a basic industry? Explain. [CBSE 2012]
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
Ans. Iron and steel industry is the basic industry as:
a. All the other industries depend on it for their machinery.
b. Steel is needed to manufacture a variety of engineering goods.
c. It provides variety of consumer goods.
d. Construction material, defence, medical, telephonic, scientific equipments, are
the gift of iron and steel industry.
16. Mention any two factors that have contributed to a healthy growth of the automobile
industry in India, Name two centres where this industry is located. [CBSE 2011]
Ans. a. The introduction of new and contemporary models stimulated the demand for
vehicles in the market.
b. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) brought in new technology and aligned the
industry, with global developments. The two centres 1 of automobile industry are
Jamshedpur and Gurgaon.
17. How are integrated steel plants different from mini steel plants? [Delhi 2011]
Ans.
Integrated Steel Plant Mini Steel Plant
(a) These are larger steel plants. (a) These are smaller steel plants.
(b) These plants use basic raw material (b) These plants use steel scrap and
for making steel. sponge iron for making steel.
(c) These plants use blast furnaces. (c) Mini steel plants have electric and
induction furnaces.
(d) They are usually concentrated near (d) They are dccentralised secondary
the sources of raw materials and units scattered across the country
market and also cater domestic and to meet local demands.
international demands.
18. How are industries responsible for environmental degradation in India? Explain
with examples. [Delhi 2019]
Ans. Population is a negative effect of industrialization. It adversely affects the
environment and degrades it. Air pollution is caused by the presence of undesirable
gases in high proportion, such as sulphur dioxide and cabon monoxide, dust sprays,
mist and smoke in the atmosphere due to emission from industrial units. Smoke is
emitted from chemical and paper factories, brick kilns, refineries and smelting plants,
burning of fossil fuels in big and small factories, etc. that ignore pollution norms.
These spread respiratory diseases among the people working or living in such areas.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
Toxic gas leaks like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy can be hazardous with long-term ill
effects. Water pollution is caused by organic and inorganic industrial wastes and
effluent discharged into rivers.
The main culprits in this regard are paper, pulp, chemical, textile and dyeing,
petroleum refineries, tanneries and electroplating industries. These let out dyes,
detergents, acids, salts and heavy metals like lead and mercury, pesticides,
fertilizers, synthetic chemicals with carbon, plastics and rubber, etc., into water
bodies. They turn big and small rivers into toxic streams.
Iron and steel slags are dumped into water bodies, especially rivers, destroying
aquatic life and making the water unfit for use. The pollution of the Ganga and the
Yamuna are examples of water pollution caused by industries.
Thermal pollution of water occurs when hot water from factories and thermal plants
are drained into rivers or other water bodies.
19. What is the manufacturing sector? Why is it considered the backbone of

development? Interpret the reason. [All India 2015]
Ans. Manufacturing sector refers to the secondary sector of the economy which deals with
production of goods in large quantities with the help of machines, where raw
materials are transformed into more valuable products. Manufacturing is considered
as the backbone of economic development because:
(a) Manufacturing has contributed to modernisation of agriculture and reduced the
dependency on agriculture by providing jobs in secondary and tertiary sectors.
(b) It has helped in reducing the poverty and unemployment and aimed at reducing
the regional disparities by setting up of industries in rural, backward and tribal
areas.
(c) Export of industrial goods contributed to valuable foreign exchange earnings.
(d) It has added value to raw materials by converting them into finished goods.
(e) The prosperity of a nation depends upon the development and diversification of
manufacturing. Thus, it has not only made India self-sufficient but more
competitive in terms of international market.
(f) It brings down regional disparities by establishing industries in tribal and
backward areas.
(g) Industry sector contributes substantially to GDP. (.any four)
20. On the given outline map of India locate and label the following with appropriate
symbols.
(i) Durgapur-Iron and Steel Plant [Delhi 2016]
(ii) Bhilai-Iron and Steel Plant [CBSE 2018(C); Delhi 2017(C), 14;
All India 2017, 16, 13, 12; Foreign 2015]
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
(iii) Gandhinagar Software Technology Park [Delhi 2015]
(iv) Coimbatore-Cotton textile centre [Delhi 2014]
(v) Salem-Iron and Steel Plant [Delhi 2017; Foreign 2012]
(vi) Bokaro-Iron and Steel Industry [Delhi 2011]
(vii) Kanpur-Cotton Textile Industry [All India 2011]
(viii) Noida-Software Technology Park [Delhi 2019]
(ix) Vijaynagar-Iron and Steel Plant [Delhi 2019]
(x) Hyderabad-Software Technology Park [Delhi 2017]
Ans.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
FOREST AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES
1. Which state has the largest area permanent forests? [Delhi 2010]
Ans. Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent forests.
2. In which year was the 'Indian Wildlife Protection Act‟ implemented in India? Describe
the main thrust area of this programme. [CBSE 2017]
Ans. • In the 1960s and 1970s, the conservationists demanded some rules to protect
the wildlife. Conceding to their demand, the government enacted the Indian
Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. Under this act, an all-India list of protected species
was published.
• Hunting was banned to protect the remaining population of some endangered
species.
• Trade in wildlife was restricted and the habitats of wildlife were given legal
protection. Many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries were established by
various state governments and the central government.
• Several projects were announced for protecting specific animals, e.g., Project
Tiger. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to protect tigers from becoming extinct.
3. Describe the steps taken by the government to protect the species from becoming
extinct. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. The following are the steps taken by the government to protect the species from
being extinct.
(a) Implementation of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972. According to it a list
of protected species in India was published to protect the endangered species.
(b) Hunting and trade in wildlife has been banned to give legal protection to their
habitat.
(c) Various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries have been established to give
natural habitat to the species facing extinction.
4. Describe the Project Tiger launched by the Indian government. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. The Project Tiger Conservation programme was initiated in 1973 in Corbett National
Park of Uttarakhand for the purpose of saving the tiger population from extinction in
India.
The objective of this project was to ensure the survival and maintenance of the tiger
population of India. This is one of the success stories of wildlife conservation in the
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
whole world. An estimate of the tiger population in India at that turn of the century
places the figure up to 40,000. Subsequently, the first ever all India-Tiger census was
conducted in 1972 which revealed the existence of only 1827 tigers.
The project of conservations of tiger population was launched by the government of
India with the help of international agencies like World Wildlife Fund etc. Nine Tiger
Reserves in nine state with the total area of 13,017 km2 were set aside with a tiger
population of about 300.
The main achievements of this project are excellent recovery of the habitat and
consequent areas from a mere 268 in 9 reserves in 1972 to 2,226 in 27 reserves in
2015. Out of the total area an area of 4,936 km2 was set apart as a core zone free
from all human interference. Cattle grazing in this area has been stopped and many
villages have been moved out.
5. 'Forests and wildlife are vital to the quality of life and environment‟. Justify the
statement by giving three reasons. [Term-I 2016]
Ans. Forests and wildlife are vital to the quality of life and environment. This is because
destruction of forests and wildlife leads to
(i) Loss of cultural diversity - In addition to the loss of flora and fauna in the forest;
the communities that depend on various forest produce suffer a lot.
(ii) Impact on women - In almost all rural societies women bear the responsibility to
collect fire wood, fodder and water. Depletion of these resources makes them
work much harder and the tasks become more time taking. This often leads to
various health problems in them.
(iii) Poverty - When the poor tribal population fail to get their supplies of basic items,
they have to buy those by spending money which is in short supply.
Thus, greater economic pressure is created on them.
6. How has the destruction of forests and wildlife resulted into the loss of cultural
diversity? Explain. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. The destruction of forests and wildlife resulted into the loss of cultural diversity in the
following ways.
(a) The destruction of forests and wildlife has affected the livelihood of many
communities, who are dependent on forests.
(b) In some areas women are involved in fuel collection, fodder for their animals and
water for their domestic needs. Due to deforestation these products are not
available to them. It adversely affects the lives of such people.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
(c) The destruction of forests has resulted in severe droughts and floods, which has
affected forest-dependent communities. People live in extreme poverty. The
conservation of forests and wildlife is essential to provide a better quality of life.
7. When was the Indian Wildlife Protection Act implemented? Describe its main
objectives. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972 for protecting habitats.
An all-India list of protected animals was also published.
Its main objectives are as follows.
(a) To protect the remaining population of certain endangered species by banning
hunting, giving legal protection to their habitats and stopping trade in wildlife.
(b) The central and state governments established national parks and wildlife
sanctuaries.
(c) The central government also announced various projects like Project Tiger and
Project Rhino for protecting specific animals, which were gravely threatened.
8. What are extinct species? Describe any two factors that caused fearful depletion
of biodiversity of India. [2015, 2014]
Ans. Extinction of a particular animal or plant species occurs when there are no more
individuals of that species alive anywhere in the world - the species has died out.
This is a natural part of evolution. But sometimes extinctions happen at a much faster
rate than usual.
Depletion of biodiversity happens because of
(a) Cutting of forests for developing agriculture. This leads to decline of habitat as
well as prey for the wild animals.
(b) River water development projects submerging large forest areas.
(c) Development of roads and railway network.
(d) Hunting/Poaching of wild animals.
(e) Commercial plantation of certain trees at the expense of other varieties.
(f) Pollution of water bodies and land areas.
9. Nature worship is an old-age belief. Explain how it has helped in the conservation of
forest and wildlife. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Nature worship has helped in the conservation of forest and wildlife in the following
ways.
(a) The tribals believe in nature worship, which is based on the fact that all creations
of nature have to be protected. Such beliefs have protected several forests from
decay, cutting and felling of trees. They are called Sacred Groves. Sacred
qualities are also ascribed to mountains, springs and plants.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
(b) Certain communities revere a particular tree like Mundas and Santhal of Chota
Nagpur region worship mahua and kadamba trees respectively.
(c) The tribals of Bihar and Odisha worship the tamarind and mango trees
respectively during weddings.
10. Evaluate the role of large-scale development projects in accelerating the loss of
forests in India. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Large-scale developmental projects have contributed significantly to the loss of
forests.
(a) Since 1951, over 5,000 sq km of forests were cleared for river valley projects.
(b) Clearing of forests is still continuing because of new projects like the Narmada
Sagar Project in Madhya Pradesh.
(c) Mining activities are also disturbing the national habitats of major species, who
live in forests.
11. Distinguish between rare species and vulnerable species of animals with
examples. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Rare species: Rare species have a small population and can move into endangered
or vulnerable category, if the negative factors affecting them continue to exist, For
example, Asiatic buffalo.
Vulnerable species: Vulnerable Species are the species whose population has
declined so much that they may move into the category of endangered species in the
near future, if the negative factors continue to operate, for example, blue sheep.
12. Explain the two famous programmes which have resisted deforestation and
involved local communities. [2013]
Ans. (i) The Chipko Movement:
• This movement is a good example of community participation in conservation
program. The Chipko movement was a forest conservation movement where
people embraced the trees to prevent them from being cut.
• The first movements date back to 1730 AD when in Khejarli village of Rajasthan,
363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives to save khejri trees.
• In modern India, it began in 1973 in Uttarakhand (then in Uttar Pradesh) and
went on to become a rallying point for many Forests and Wildlife 133 future
environmental movements all over the world.
(ii) The Beej Bachao Andolan or BBA:
• This movement was started in Jardhargaon in Tehri Garhwal to conserve and
promote indigenous seeds and agricultural practices. It has its roots in the Chipko
Movement.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
• Vijay Jardhari a farmer and social activist realized that modern agriculture was
destroying traditional farming. He formed the BBA. He decided to discontinue the
cultivation of chemical dependent seeds. He and his colleagues found out about
traditional varieties of seeds. They got to know about a distinctive variety of red
rice called chardhan. Thapchini, jhumkiya, rikhwa and lal basmati were other
indigenous varieties.
• They organized food marches, get-togethers and meetings to create awareness
about the importance of protecting traditional seeds. BBA actively promotes the
use of traditional farming methods like baranaja.
13. Analyse the involvement of different traditional communities to conserve their own
natural habitats in India. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Conservation strategies are not new to India. Local communities have been
struggling to conserve their natural habitat. In Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan,
villagers have fought against mining by citing Wildlife Protection Act. They
themselves protect their habitats. Villagers in Alwar district of Rajasthan have
declared 1,200 hectare of forest as Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri and do not allow
hunting. The famous Chipko Movement in Himalayas is the result of community
participation in protecting their habitat.
14. Enumerate the features of Joint Forest Management Programme. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. The following are the features of Joint Forest Management Programme, which came
into existence in 1988.
(a) Formation of local or village institutions, that undertake activities on degraded
forest land, managed by the forest department.
(b) Local communities involved in the management and restoration of degraded
forests.
(c) Intermediary benefits like non-timber forest produce and the share in the timber
harvested given to the members of the communities in return.
15. Describe the methods of forest conservation. [CBSE 2011]

Ans. The forests can be conserved by the following ways.
• The cutting of trees in the forests must be stopped.
• Afforestation or special programmes like Vana Mahotsava should be launched on
grand scale.
• Forest conservation Act 1980 should be strictly implemented to check
deforestation
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
16. Write a brief note on „Project Tiger‟. [CBSE 2011]
Ans. „Project Tiger was one of the well-publicised wildlife campaigns in the world,
launched in 1973. Tiger conservation has been viewed not only as an effort to save
an endangered species but with equal importance as a means of preserving biotypes
of sizeable magnitude. Corbett National Park, (Uttarakhand), Sunderbans National
Park (West Bengal), Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Sariska Wildlife
Sanctuary (Rajasthan), Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam) and Periyar Tiger Reserve
(Kerala) are some of the tiger reserves in India.
17. Analyse any four reasons for the depletion of forest resources in India. [Delhi 2010]
Ans. The following are the four reasons for the depletion of forest resources in India.
(a) Large-scale development projects have contributed to the loss of forest. Since
1951, 5000 sq km of forest was cleared for river valley projects.
(b) Agricultural expansion has been one of the major causes of depletion of forest
resources. According to the Forest Survey of India, between 1951 and 1980, over
26,200 sq km of forest area was converted into agricultural land.
(c) A large part of the tribal belts in north-eastern and central India have been
deforested or degraded because of shifting cultivation, a type of slash and burn
agriculture.
(d) Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to clearing of forests.
18. Describe the steps taken to conserve the flora and fauna of the
country. [2015, 2014]
Ans. The various steps taken to conserve the flora and fauna of the country include:
(a) Implementation of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
(b) Desired control on deforestation and implementing afforestation programs.
(c) Providing legal protection to animals by bringing and implanting laws such as
banning of hunting and poaching.
(d) Spreading the awareness about the values of forests and its flora and fauna
among the public.
(e) Setting up of biosphere reserves - 18 Biosphere Reserves have been set up in
India. Providing financial and technical assistance to many botanical gardens.
(f) Implementation of specific focused projects such as - Project Tiger, project Rhino,
project Great Indian Bustard and many other eco developmental projects. 103
national parks, 530 Wildlife sanctuaries and zoological gardens (Government of
India, July 2015) are setup to take care of natural heritage.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
19. How have communities conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India?
Explain. [2015,12]
Ans. Type l
(i) Conservation of forests has been a part oflndian culture and folklore and it has
been prevalent among the village communities since ancient times.
(ii) Many tribal communities and other government officials have raised their voice
towards protection of forests and wildlife in the name of certain beliefs.
(iii) For example, the inhabitants of five villages in Alwar district in Rajasthan have
announced 1200 hectares of land as the Bhairodev Dakav „Sonchuri‟ as
protection of wildlife from hunting by anyone.
(iv) Some trees and animals were considered sacred by certain communities which
helped in the species preservation of forests and wildlife. For example, The
Mundas and Santhals of Chhota Nagpur worship mahua and kadamba trees. The
tribals of Odisha and Bihar worship tamarind, and mango trees during weddings.
(v) Other trees like tulsi, neem and peepal are also considered sacred. Certain
animals like macaques and langurs are found in some temples.
(vi) The Bishnoi tribes of Rajasthan played an important role towards preservation of
black buck, nilgai and peacocks. Thus, conservation was considered as an
essential part of the community and any damage caused to the trees and animals
had serious repercussions.
Type 2
Role of communities in the conservation of forest and wildlife can be explained as
follows:
(i) 'Sariska Tiger Reserve‟ is situated in Rajasthan, here the people of nearby
villages have fought against mining activities and protecting the natural habitat of
wildlife.
(ii) In Alwar, Rajasthan, the people of five villages have declared 1200 hectare of
forest as the “Bhairodev Dakav Sanctuary”. They set their own rules and
regulations which do not allow hunting etc.
(iii) Chipko movement by locals in Himalayas successfully resisted the deforestation.
20. How is biological loss of forest and wildlife correlated with loss of cultural
diversity? [CBSE 2011]
Ans. Biological loss of forest and wildlife correlated with loss of cultural diversity in the
following ways.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
(a) Destruction of forests and wildlife has affected the livelihood of many communities
which are directly dependent on forests.
(b) They depend on forests for their food, medicine, water, livelihood and cultural
traits.
(c) In certain societies, women are involved in fuel collection, fodder for animals and
water for their basic needs. Due to large-scale deforestation these forest products
are not available to them and the life of these people, especially women, is
largely affected.
(d) Women have to go in search of food, water and fuel over long distances leaving
their family for a long time resulting in social tensions.
(e) It has resulted in severe droughts and floods which has affected these
communities adversely. These people live in extreme poverty, which is the direct
result of the environmental degradation. Conservation of forests and wildlife is
essential to provide better quality of life and environment.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
MINERALS AND ENERGY RESOURCES
1. Name the best variety of iron-ore found in India. [All India 2017]
Ans. The best variety of iron-ore found in India is Magnetite.
2. Why are there a wide range of colours, hardness, crystal forms, lustre and density
found in minerals? [CBSE 2016]
Ans. The ranges found in minerals are due to physical and chemical conditions.
3. Name the minerals formed in beds and layers. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. Coal, and some forms of iron ore.
4. What is hematite? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Hematite ore is the most important industrial iron ore in terms of the quantity used.
5. Why should the use of cattle cake as fuel be discouraged? [All India 2015]
Ans. The use of cattle cake as fuel should be discouraged because it creates pollution. It
consumes most valuable manure which could be used in agriculture.
6. How power resources are classified? [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Power resources may be broadly categorised into conventional and non-conventional
resources.
7. Which is the oldest oil producing state of India? [CBSE 2011]
Ans. Assam.
8. Which state of India is the largest producer of Bauxite? [All India 2010]
Ans. Odisha is the largest producer of Bauxite in India.
9. Name the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India. [All India 2010]
Ans. Coal is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India.
10. What is biogas energy? [CBSE 2009]
Ans. Bio gas is produced from shrubs, farm waste, animal and human wastes.

11. ―Minerals are unevenly distributed in India.‖ Support the statement with
examples. [All India 2017]
Ans. Following are the examples to support the statement that mineral resources in India
are unevenly distributed.
(a) Peninsular rocks contain most of the reserves of coal, metallic minerals, mica and
many other non-metallic minerals.
(b) Sedimentary rocks on the western and eastern flanks of the peninsula in Gujarat
and Assam have most of the petroleum deposits.
(c) The vast alluvial plains of North India are almost devoid of minerals. These
variations exist largely due to differences in the geological structure processes
and time involved in the formation of minerals.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
(d) Rajasthan, with the rock systems of the peninsula, has reserves of many non-
ferrous minerals. (any three)
12. Consumption of energy in all forms has been rising all over the country. There is
an urgent need to develop a sustainable path of energy development and energy
saving‘. Suggest and explain any three measures to solve this burning
problem. [All India 2016]
Ans. The following are the measures to solve this burning problem.
(a) We should use public transport instead of personal vehicles as much as possible.
(b) We should switch off electricity when not in use.
(c) We should switch to power-saving devices.
(d) We should keep our power equipment well maintained.
(e) Above all. use of non-conventional sources of energy would be of great help in
overcoming the problem. (any three)
13. How is the mining activity injurious to the health of the miners and environment?
Explain. [Delhi 2015]
Ans. Mining activity is injurious to the health of miners due to the following reasons.
(a) Inhalation of poisonous gases and dust make them vulnerable to pulmonary
diseases.
(b) The risk of collapse of mine roofs may risk the life of miners.
(c) Inundation and fires in coalmines are a constant threat to the miners.
The following points show how mining affects the environment.
(a) It results in contamination of water.
(b) Dumping of waste and slurry leads to degradation of land and soil.
(c) It results in air and water pollution.
14. Differentiate between metallic and non-metallic minerals with examples. [Delhi 2013]
Ans. The difference between metallic and non-metallic minerals are:
Metallic minerals Non-metallic minerals
(a) Minerals from which metals are (a) Minerals consisting of non-metals are
extracted are called metallic called non-metallic minerals.
minerals.
(b) These minerals are malleable and (b) These minerals are neither malleable
ductile. nor ductile.
(c) These minerals are associated with (c) Non-metallic minerals are associated
igneous and mctamorphic rocks. with sedimentary rocks.
(d) They arc usually hard and have (d) They are not so hard and have no
shine or luster of their own. shine or luster of their own.
(e) For example, iron, copper, bauxite, (e) For example, coal, salt, clay etc.
tin, manganese etc.
(any three
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
15. Mention any three major iron-ore belts in India. Write any three characteristics of the
southermost iron-ore belt. [Delhi 2012]
Ans. The three major iron-ore belts in India are:
(а) Orissa-Jharkhand belt.
(b) Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur belt
(c) Ballari-Chitradurga-Chikkamagaluru-T\imakuru belt
(d) Maharashtra-Goa belt
The three characteristics of the southern-most belt, Ballari-Chitradurga-
Chikkamagaluru-Tumakuru belt, are as follows.
(a) It has large reserves of iron ore.
(b) The Khudremukh mines, located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, are a
hundred per cent export unit.
(c) Khudremukh deposits are one of the largest mines in the world.
16. ‗We have to adopt a cautious approach for the judicious use of our limited energy
resources.‘ Support the statement with three examples. [Foreign 2012]
Ans. We have to adopt a cautious approach for the judicious use of our limited energy
resources because of the following reasons.
(a) They are non-renewable, once consumed we will not be able to get them
back.
(b) Energy is required for all our activities—to cook, to provide light and heat, to
drive vehicles and machinery, so, it should be used judiciously.
(c) Keeping in mind the needs of our future generation, we have to adopt the policy
of sustainable development.
17. How is energy an indispensible requirement of our modern life? Explain with three
examples. [Delhi 2011]
Ans. Energy is an indispensible requirement of our modern life. The following points
explain the statement.
(a) Energy isneededforall activities like to provide heat and light, to drive machinery
and to cook.
(b) Every sector of the national economy like agriculture, industry, transport,
communication, etc. requires energy to operate.
(c) All the developmental plans require energy to remain operational. With the time,
consumption of energy has been on steady rise, which again makes it a
necessary requirement for our day-to-day life.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
18. Why is it necessary to conserve mineral resources? Explain any four ways to
conserve mineral resources. [All India 2017]
Ans. Minerals are required in all spheres of our life in agriculture, industries and for
domestic purposes. We are rapidly consuming the mineral resources that required
millions of years to be formed and concentrated. The geological processes of mineral
formation are so slow that the rates of replenishment are infinitely small in
comparison to the present rates of consumption. They are finite resources that are
non-renewable, yet are getting exhausted due to rapid exploitation. Continued
extraction brings down their quality as well as increases costs of extraction. To save
these valuable resources from exhaustion and to preserve them for future
generations we should conserve our mineral resources.
The following are the ways of conserving mineral resources:
(а) Causing minimum wastage of minerals during the process of mining and
processing of minerals.
(b) Improved technologies to utilize low-grade ores at low cost.
(c) Using minerals in a planned manner by adopting the policy of recycle and reuse.
Recycling of metals, using scrap metals and other substitutes to reduce
exploitation of the present deposits.
(d) Looking for some other eco-friendly options for its replacement like CNG.
19. How is energy a basic requirement for the economic development of the country?
Explain with examples. [All India 2013]
Ans. Energy is a basic requirement for the economic development of a country in the
following ways.
(a) Every sector of the national economy – agriculture, industry, transport,
commercial and domestic – needs inputs of energy.
(b) The economic development plans implemented since independence require
increasing amounts of energy to remain operational.
(c) Energy is used for all activities. To provide light and heat, to propel vehicles and
drive machinery in industries.
(d) For example, coal provides a large percentage of energy for country‘s economic
needs, supply energy to industries as well as for domestic use.
(e) Also, natural gas is an important clean energy resource found in association with
petroleum. It is used as a source of energy as an industrial raw material in petro-
chemical industry.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
20. On the given outline map of India locate and label the following with appropriate
symbols.
(i) Ankaleshwar – Oil Fields [Delhi 2016]
(ii) Digboi – Oil Fields [All India 2016]
(iii) Kalpakkam – Nuclear power plant [Delhi 2019, 13; Foreign 2016]
(iv) Namrup –Thermal power plant [Foreign 2014]
(v) Narora – Nuclear power plant [Delhi 2017(C), All India 2017, 14, 12]
(vi) Kakrapara – Nuclear power plant [Foreign 2012]
Ans.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)
1. How is cement industry responsible for land degradation? [Delhi 2019]

Ans. The mineral processing like grinding of limestone for cement industry generate huge
quantity of dust that settles down on the land and retards the process of infiltration
of water into the soil.
2. Classify resources on the basis of origin. [CBSE 2018]

Ans. On the basis of origin resources are classified as biotic and abiotic resources.
3. What are the methods of checking soil erosion? [2017]

Ans. Strip cropping, terrace farming and contour ploughing.
4. Name the land with deep channels that is unfit for cultivation. [2016]
Ans. Bad land.
5. Which state has the largest area under black soil? [2016]
Ans. Maharashtra.
6. In which states overgrazing is responsible for land degradation? [2015]

Ans : Madhya Pradesh. Rajasthan. Gujarat and Maharashtra.
7. In which states laterite soil is found? [2015]

Ans. Karnataka, Kerala. Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and hilly areas of Odisha and
Assam.
8. What is the percentage share of plains in the total land area? [2014]
Ans. 43%.
9. What is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab? [2014]

Ans. Over irrigation.
10. Classify resources into two groups on the basis of their exhaustibility. [Delhi 2010]
Ans. On the basis of exhaustibility, resources can be classified as renewable and
non-renewable.
11. “Resource planning is a complex process.” Justify the statement with

arguments. [AI Chennai 2019]
Ans. Resource planning is a complex process which involves:
(a) Identification of resources across the country through surveying, mapping and
preparation of inventory of resources through their quantitative and qualitative
estimation and measurement.
1
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
(b) Develop a planning structure for resource development taking into account
technology, skill and infrastructure available for implementing the plans.
(c) Matching the resource development plans with overall national development
plans. This involves systematic planning of exploitation of resources.
12. Why is it essential to have resource planning? Explain any three reasons. [2017]
Ans. a. If the present trend of resource depletion by few individuals continues, the future
of our planet is in danger.
b. Planning is essential for sustainable existence of all forms of life.
c. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led to global ecological crises.
13. Examine the three major problems created as a result of indiscriminate utilization
of natural resources. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. The following are the three major problems created as a result of indiscriminate
utilization of natural resources.
(a) Depletion of resources at a faster rate.
(b) Accumulation of resources in the hands of few creating a wide gap between the
haves (rich) and have nots (poor).
(c) Increase in global crises like ozone layer depletion, global warming, pollution and
land degradation.
14. Describe any three measures of controlling land degradation. [2015, 2014, 2012]
OR
Explain any three steps taken to solve the problem of land degradation in
India. [2011]
Ans. a. Afforestation and proper management of grazing can help to some extent .
b. Planting of shelter belts, control on over-grazing, stabilisation of sand dune by
growing thorny bushes.
c. Proper management of wastelands, control of mixing activities, proper discharge
and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment can reduce land
and water degradation in industrial and sub-urban areas are some of the
methods to check land degradation.
15. Indiscriminate use of resources had led to numerous problems.‟ Justify this
statement. [2014, 2012, 2011]
Ans. Resources are vital for human survival and it was believed that resources are free gift
of nature. The indiscriminate use of resources led to the following problems:
a. To satisfy the greed of few individuals, depletion of resources has continued.
b. Due to the accumulation of resources in few hands, the society gets divided into
two segments, e.g., rich and poor.
c. Indiscriminate use of resources has „ led to ecological crises, e.g., ozone layer
depletion, land degradation, global warming and environmental pollution.
2
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
16. “33 per cent area should be under forests.” Justify the statement highlighting the
environmental values of forests. [CBSE 2013]
Ans. According to the international norms, the forest cover in a country should be 33 per
cent of the total geographical area. However the forest cover in India is estimated at
637,293 sq. km, which is 19.39 per cent of the total geographical area.
(a) The following points sum up of the environmental values of forests.
If a country does not have 33 per cent geographical area under forest it may lead
to poor quality of support system — water, air and soil.
(b) Forests preserve the genetic diversity of plants and animals.
(c) The forest ecosystem is the storehouse of valuable forest products, minerals and
other resources.
17. What is meant by the term “resource"? List the types of resources classified on the
basis of its ownership. [2012]
Ans. a. Resource: Everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy
our needs, provided, it is technologically accessible, economically feasible and
culturally acceptable is known as a resource.
b. Types of resources on the basis of ownership are: Individual, community, national
and international.
18. Explain resource planning. What are the steps involved in resource
planning? [2014]
OR
Why is resource planning essential in India? [2015]
OR
What is resource planning? Why is resource planning essential? Explain it with three
reasons. [2015]
Ans. Resource planning is a procedure of proper utilization of resources. Resource
planning is important because :
a. Resources in India are not evenly distributed. Some parts of the county are rich in
one resource but deficient in other important resources which are essential. For
example, Rajasthan is rich in solar and wind energy but lacks water resource.
Jharkhand is rich in minerals and coal deposits but lack in industrialisation. This
is the reason why resource planning is essential. An effective resource planning
will help in effective use of the resources available in the environment.
(b) Secondly, most of the resources present in our environment are limited.
Therefore, if these resources are not preserved or not used rationally we will be
in great trouble. For example : Petrol is a limited resource and it cannot be
renewed. Exhaustion of petrol will create huge chaos in the country as we are
extensively dependent on the petrol.
3
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
(c) Thirdly, resource planning is important because it minimises the wastage or over
utilization of resources. The very first step of resource planning is to make a list of
resources available in the environment. This helps us to assess which resources
should be used and how much it should be used to prevent over utilisation and
minimize wastage.
19. Mention three physical factors as well as three human factors which determine the
use of land in India. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. Three physical factors determining the use of land in India are the following.
(a) topography (b) climate (c) soil type
Three human factors determining the land use in India are:
(a) population density. (b) technological capability.
(c) culture and traditions.
20. What are the reasons for land degradation? Describe briefly any four measures to
conserve land from degradation. [All India 2010]
Ans. At present there are about 130 million hectares of degraded land in India. It has
mainly been due to the following reasons.
(a) Human activities like deforestation, mining, quarrying, overgrazing are mainly
responsible for land degradation.
(b) In states like Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha deforestation due to
mining has caused severe degradation. In Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat
and Maharashtra, overgrazing is one of the main reasons for land degradation.
(c) Industrial effluents have become a major source of land and water degradation in
many parts of the country.
(d) Over-irrigation in the states of Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, has
led to waterlogging and increased alkalinity and salinity in the soil.
(any two)
The following are the four measures to conserve land from degradation.
(a) Afforestation and management of grazing can solve the problem to some extent.
(b) Planting of shelter belts of trees and growing of thorny bushes can stabilize sand
dunes and check land degradation.
(c) Control over mining activities can also contribute to it.
(d) Proper discharge of industrial effluents can be done by grinding, sedimentation
and flocculation.
4
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
WATER RESOURCES
1. How has Shillong solved the problem of acute shortage of water? [AI Ajmer 2019]
Ans. Shillong has solved the problem of acute shortage of water by practicing roof top
rainwater harvesting.
2. How has Tamil Nadu solved the problem of acute shortage of

water? [AI Ajmer 2019]
Ans. Tamil Nadu has solved the problem of acute shortage of water by making roof top
rainwater harvesting structure compulsory to all the houses across the state and also
has legal provisions to punish the defaulters.
3. Describe any three traditional methods of rainwater harvesting adopted in different

parts of India. [CBSE 2014, 2015, 2016-17]
OR
Describe any three different rainwater harvesting systems practised in
India. [CBSE 2012]
OR
“Rainwater harvesting system is viable alternative both socially, economically and
environmentally". Support the statement with three examples. [CBSE 2012]
Ans. a. In hilly and mountainous regions, people build diversion channels like 4gul‟ or 'kill'
in Western Himalaya for agriculture.
b. Roof-top rainwater harvesting was commonly practised to store drinking water
particularly in Rajasthan.
c. In West Bengal, people develop inundation channels to irrigate their fields.
d. In semi-arid regions agricultural fields are converted into rainfed storage
structures that allowed the water to stand and moist the soil
4. Why do some people oppose dams? [CBSE 2016]

Ans. Some people oppose dams because this may submerge the land for cultivation and
disrupt the lives of the displaced people.
5. Name two social movements which were against the multipurpose

projects. [CBSE 2015]
Ans. Narmada Bachao Andolan and Tehri Dam Andolan.
6. On which river has the Hirakud Dam been constructed? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. River Mahanadi.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
7. What are the causes of water scarcity? [CBSE 2013]
Ans. Rapid growth of population, uneven distribution of water resources and increase in
demand of water.
8. What percentage of the total volume of world‟s water is estimated to exist as

oceans? [CBSE 2012]
Ans. 96.5 percent.
9. What is the need of rainwater harvesting ? [Delhi 2011]

Ans. Rainwater harvesting is needed to provide it for agriculture, collect drinking water,
irrigate the fields and to moisten the soil.
10. Write the major source of freshwater in India? [CBSE 2010]

Ans. Groundwater.
11. Analyse the impact of „water scarcity‟. [Delhi 2019]

Ans. Following are the impacts of water scarcity.
(a) it causes ecological crisis that have profound impact on our lives.
(b) it also affects farming and leads to food shortage.
(c) it also leads to inadequate sanitation.
(d) Beside lack of drinking water, hunger is one of the biggest effects of water
scarcity.
(e) It also drags down the economic productivity.
12. How has the ever increasing number of industries in India made worse position by
exerting pressure on existing fresh water resources? Explain. [CBSE 2018]
Ans. The ever increasing number of industries in India made worse position by exerting
pressure on existing fresh water resources in the following ways:
(a) Rise of industrial units lead to their growing need and use of water. This further
leads to water scarcity.
(b) Discharge of industrial effluents and dumping of industrial wastes and chemicals
have turned big rivers into toxic streams unfit and hazardous for human use.
Pollution of the freshwater resources has lead to water scarcity.
(c) Industries, apart from being heavy users of water, also require power to run them.
Much of this energy comes from hydroelectric power.
13. Mention any four main objectives of multi –purpose river valley projects. Name any
two Multipurpose Projects of India. [CBSE 2015]
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
OR
What is a multipurpose river valley project? Mention any four objectives
of it. [CBSE 2016-17]
Ans. A project where many uses of the impounded water are integrated with one another
is known as multipurpose project. It is built for irrigation, power generation, water
supply, flood control, recreation, etc.
14. Explain the working of underground tanks as a part of roof top rainwater harvesting
system practised in Rajasthan. [CBSE 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010]
OR
How were the underground tanks beneficial to the people of Rajasthan?
Explain. [CBSE 2012, 2016-17]
OR
Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi arid regions of Rajasthan is carried
out. [NCERT]
Ans. a. In semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan almost all the houses traditionally had
underground tanks for storing drinking water.
b. They are extremely reliable source of drinking water when other sources are
dried up. This is considered the purest form of natural water.
c. The tanks can be as large as big rooms.
d. The tanks were part of the well- developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system.
e. The tanks were built inside the main house or the courtyard giving cooling effect
to the rooms in the summer.
f. Those tanks were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe.
g. Rain falling on these rooftops would travel down the pipe and stored in these
underground tanks.
h. Usually first: rain water is not collected to clean the rooftop and the pipe. (Any
three)
15. List any three advantages and three disadvantages of multipurpose river
project. [CBSE 2013, 2012]
OR
What are the advantages and disadvantages of multipurpose river
project. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Advantages:
a. These are the main source of power generation.
b. They provide us neat, pollution free and cheapest energy which is the backbone
of industry and agriculture.
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
c. These projects control the floods because water can be stored in them. These
projects have converted many, „rivers of sorrows‟ into „rivers of boon‟.
d. These projects are the main source of irrigation and also help in conserving soil.
Disadvantages:
a. Due to the construction of dams, there are no adequate floods in the river.
Because of this, the soil of the downstream region does not get nutrient rich silt.
b. Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate for
spawning, i.e., to produce eggs.
c. It resulted in displacement of local communities. The local people often have to
give up their land and livelihood and their meagre access and control over
resources for the greater need of the nation.
16. “Water is a very important and critical resource in India.” Support the statement
by explaining any three points. [CBSE 2013]
Ans. Water is a very important and critical resource in India. The following points support
this statement.
(a) Water resources are a significant part of the ecological cycle, which enable the
existence of all living beings on the earth.
(b) Water resources help to carry out several agricultural and agriculture-related
activities, thus playing a major role in the development of agricultural production.
(c) Water also contributes significantly to the development of industry as it supplies
water to various water-based and power-based industries.
17. Why is groundwater a highly overused resource? [CBSE 2011]

Ans. Groundwater is a highly overused resource because of the following reasons:
a. Due to large and growing population and consequent greater demands for water
and unequal access to it.
b. To facilitate higher food grain production for large population, water resources are
being over exploited to expand irrigated areas and dry season agriculture.
c. In the housing societies or colonies in the cities, there is an arrangement of own
ground water pumping devices to meet water needs.
18. Explain any three reasons due to which large dams have come under great
opposition in recent years. [CBSE2015]
Ans. In recent times the dams have come under great opposition because of the following
reasons.
(a) The construction of dams resulted in problems like excessive sedimentation,
waterlogging, soil erosion, sudden floods, large-scale deforestation, extinction of
PREVIOUS YEAR
GEOGRAPHY
QUESTIONS-X
species, displacement of communities and loss of livelihood of tribal
communities. Dams also fragment rivers, making it difficult for aquatic fauna to
migrate especially for spawing.
(b) Dams that were built to control floods have triggered floods due to sedimentation
in the reservoir. Big dams have been unsuccessful in controlling floods at the
time of excessive rainfall. The release of water from the dams during heavy
rainfall, worsens the situation.
(c) Multi-purpose projects cause earthquakes, water-borne diseases and pollution
due to the excessive use of water.
19. Why is rooftop rainwater harvesting important in Rajasthan? Explain. [CBSE 2014]
Ans. Rooftop rainwater harvesting is important in Rajasthan because of the following
reasons.
(a) The rainwater stored in tankas is an extremely reliable source of drinking water
when all other sources are dried up.
(b) Rainwater is considered the purest form of natural water.
(c) Many houses have constructed underground rooms adjoining the tankas to beat
the summer heat as it would keep the room cool.
(d) There is a lack of perennial rivers in Rajasthan.
(e) The rainfall is not reliable in this region.
20. Explain any three reasons responsible for water scarcity in India. [CBSE 2013, 2011]
OR
Water is available in abundance in India. Even then scarcity of water is experienced
in major parts of the country. Explain it with four examples.
Ans. a. The availability of water resources varies over space and time, mainly due to the
variations in seasonal and annual precipitation.
b. Over-exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among different
social groups.
c. Water scarcity may be an outcome of large and growing population and
consequent greater demands for water. A large population means more water to
produce more food. Hence, to facilitate higher food-grain production, water
resources are being over exploited to expand irrigated areas for dry-season
agriculture.
d. Most farmers have their own wells and tube wells in their farms for irrigation to
increase their production. But it may lead to falling groundwater levels, adversely
affecting water availability and food security of the people. Thus, inspite of
abundant water there is water scarcity.

Combinepdf

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Combinepdf

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Combinepdf

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PREVIOUS YEAR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)

4. Name the Treaty of 1832 that recognised Greece as an independent

7. Who was proclaimed the German Emperor in a ceremony held at Versailles in

9. Mention the proclamation of the French Revolution. [Delhi 2010]

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 Marks)

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (5 Marks)

18. Describe the explosive conditions prevailed in Balkans after 1871 in

19. Describe the process of unification of Italy. [Delhi 2015]

VERY ASWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)

3. What is El Dorado ? [CBSE 2015]

7. Who forced the government to abolish Corn Laws ? [CBSE 2011]

8. What was Paper Partition ? [CBSE 2010]

10. Who was indentured labourer ? [CBSE 2009]

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (5 Marks)

VERY ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)

3. Who wrote the song Vande Mataram‟? [Foreign 2017]

4. What is meant by Satyagraha? [All India 2017]

5. Who organised the Dalits into the „Depressed Classes Association‟ in

8. What is the meaning of „Begar‟? [All India 2017]

9. What is meant by Satyagraha? [All India 2017]

12. Evaluate the role of business classes in the „Civil Disobedience

16. Describe the spread of Non-Cooperation movement in the country

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (5 Marks)

19. How could non-cooperation become a movement? Explain with

VERY ASWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)

1. How had hand printing technology introduced in Japan? [Delhi 2019]

2. Why was printing of textbooks sponsored by the Imperial State in

9. Name the first edition of the Indian religious text published in

10. Name the oldest Japanese book. [CBSE 2014]

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 Marks)

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (5 Marks)

VERY ASWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)

1. Define a feminist? [CBSE 2015]

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 Marks)

4. Define communalism. Explain any three forms of Communalism in the Indian

5. Suggest any two measures to check casteism in India. [CBSE 2016]

12. What is communalism? How is communalism a hindrance in the functioning of our

13. How are religious differences expressed in politics? [CBSE 2011]

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (5 Marks)

VERY SHORT ASWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)

1. Why is one party political system not considered a good democratic

2. Why did India adopt multi-party system? [CBSE 2016]

3. Name the alliance formed by the Congress Party. [CBSE 2016]

6. What is meant by „Political Party‟? [CBSE 2015]

7. What is the guiding philosophy of Bharatiya Janata Party? [CBSE 2015]

9. Name any two regional parties of West Bengal. [CBSE 2015]

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 Marks)

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (5 Marks)

18. Describe any five major functions of political parties performed in a

VERY ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)

1. Why was States Reorganization Commission formed? [CBSE S.R 2016-17]

3. In which list of the Indian Constitution does education come?

6. What is the official post for the chairperson of a municipal

8. Which subjects are included in the Union List? [CBSE 2014]

9. Which local body has a „Mayor‟ as its head? [CBSE 2014]

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 Marks)

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (5 Marks)