SOLUTIONS
2023 BOARD EXAM
CBSE CLASS 10 SOCIAL SCIENCE Board Paper 2023 — Set 1
2023
SOCIAL SCIENCE
CLASS 10
CBSE EXAMINATION PAPER-2023
SOCIAL SCIENCE
(Solved)
General Instructions :
Read the following instructions carefully and follow them :
- This question paper contains 40 questions. All questions are compulsory.
- This question paper is divided into 5 sections.
- Section A – questions number 1 to 3 are case based questions
- Section B – questions number 4 to 21 are multiple choice questions
- Section C – questions number 22 to 26 are very short answer
- Section D – questions number 27 to 32 are short answer
- Section E – questions number 33 to 40 are long answer
- There is no overall choice given in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in few questions.
- Use of calculator is NOT allowed.
Section A
Question 1.
Market for Goods
One way in which new consumers are created is through advertisements. As you know, advertisements make products appear desirable and necessary. They try to shape the minds of people and create new needs. Today we live in a world where advertisements surround us. They appear in newspapers, magazines, hoardings, street walls, television screens. But if we look back into history, we find that from the very beginning of the industrial age, advertisements have played a part in expanding the markets for products, and in shaping a new consumer culture. When Manchester industrialists began selling cloth in India, they put labels on the cloth bundles. The label was needed to make the place of manufacture and the name of the company familiar to the buyer. The label was also to be a mark of quality. When buyers saw ‘MADE IN MANCHESTER’ written in bold on the label, they were expected to feel confident about buying the cloth.
(1) How was the marketing of goods done in India by the British?
[1 Marks]
Answer: The British marketed their goods in India primarily through advertisements and labels on the products. For example, Manchester industrialists, who sold cloth in India, put labels on cloth bundles with the name of the company and the place of manufacture, such as 'MADE IN MANCHESTER'. This was done to create familiarity and trust among Indian buyers regarding the quality of the product. Advertisements were used to make products appear desirable and necessary, thereby creating new consumers and extending the market for British goods. These labels often included images of Indian gods and respected historic figures to appeal to Indian customers and gain their respect for the product.
Key Points: British used advertisements to promote products-Labels on goods indicated place of manufacture and company name-Made products appear desirable and necessary-Labels featured Indian gods and historic figures to gain respect and trust-Created new consumer needs and expanded market for British goods in India
(2) How were the new consumers created through advertisement during colonial India?
[1 Marks]
Answer: During colonial India, new consumers were created through advertisements by making products appear desirable and necessary. British industrialists, such as those in Manchester, began selling their cloth in India and used labels on the cloth bundles to make the place of manufacture and the company name familiar to the buyers. The labels, such as 'MADE IN MANCHESTER', acted as marks of quality and helped gain the confidence of the consumers. Advertisements shaped the minds of people by creating new needs and persuading them to buy the products. Thus, advertisements helped expand the market for products and contributed to the formation of a new consumer culture in colonial India.
Key Points: Advertisements created new needs among people - Labels on products indicated place of manufacture and company name - 'Made in Manchester' label as a quality mark - Advertisements made products appear desirable and necessary - Helped expand the market for British manufactured goods in India
(3) Identify the messages conveyed through advertisements during industrialization.
[2 Marks]
Answer: During industrialization, advertisements conveyed several important messages. First, they made products appear desirable and necessary, encouraging people to buy new products. Second, advertisements aimed to create new consumers by shaping people's minds and creating new needs. For instance, when Manchester industrialists sold cloth in India, they put labels on the cloth bundles showing the place of manufacture and the company name. The label 'MADE IN MANCHESTER' was meant to assure buyers of the product's quality and build confidence in purchasing it. Overall, advertisements helped expand markets for products and shaped a new consumer culture by promoting branded goods as reliable and superior.
Key Points: Advertisements made products seem desirable and necessary-Created new needs for consumers-Used labels to show place of manufacture and brand name-Built consumer confidence through quality assurance-Expanded markets and shaped consumer culture
Question 2.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES
Energy is a basic requirement for economic development. Every sector of the national economy – agriculture, industry, transport, commercial and domestic – needs inputs of energy. The economic development plans implemented since independence necessarily required increasing amounts of energy to remain operational. As a result, consumption of energy in all forms has been steadily rising all over the country. In this background, there is an urgent need to develop a sustainable path of energy development. Promotion of energy conservation and increased use of renewable energy sources are the twin planks of sustainable energy. India is presently one of the least energy efficient countries in the world. We have to adopt a cautious approach for the judicious use of our limited energy resources. For example, as concerned citizens we can do our bit by using public transport systems instead of individual vehicles; switching off electricity when not in use, using power-saving devices and using non-conventional sources of energy. As a saying goes, 'Energy Saved is energy produced.'
(1) Why is sustainable energy a key to sustainable development?
[1 Marks]
Answer: Sustainable energy is key to sustainable development because energy is essential for the growth of all sectors such as agriculture, industry, transport, and domestic use. Since independence, India has seen a steady rise in energy consumption, which requires increasing amounts of energy to keep the economy operational. If energy consumption continues to grow unsustainably, it can lead to depletion of limited energy resources and environmental problems. Therefore, promoting energy conservation and increased use of renewable energy sources are necessary to ensure that energy needs are met without harming the environment or exhausting resources. This approach helps maintain economic growth while protecting the environment and conserving resources for future generations, making sustainable energy vital for sustainable development.
Key Points: Energy is essential for economic development - Increasing energy consumption demands sustainable management - Sustainable energy involves energy conservation and use of renewable sources - India has limited energy resources and low energy efficiency - Sustainable energy helps protect environment and conserve resources - Ensures long-term economic growth and development
(2) Why is consumption of energy rising all over India?
[1 Marks]
Answer: The consumption of energy is rising all over India because energy is a basic requirement for economic development and is needed by every sector of the national economy including agriculture, industry, transport, commercial, and domestic sectors. Since independence, India's economic development plans require increasing amounts of energy to remain operational. As industries grow and the population increases, the demand for energy in all forms keeps steadily rising across the country. This increased consumption is necessary to support development but also calls for sustainable energy practices.
Key Points: Energy is essential for economic development-Every sector needs energy-Increasing economic activities raise energy demand-Development plans require more energy to operate-Energy consumption has been steadily rising since independence
(3) Explain ‘Energy saved is energy produced.’
[2 Marks]
Answer: The phrase ‘Energy saved is energy produced’ means that conserving energy is as effective as generating new energy. Since energy resources are limited and the consumption of energy is continuously increasing due to the needs of agriculture, industry, transport, and domestic sectors, saving energy helps to reduce the burden on these resources. By using energy efficiently and avoiding wastage—such as turning off lights when not needed, using public transport instead of individual vehicles, and employing power-saving devices—we help in preserving energy. This conserved energy can then be considered as energy produced, as it reduces the need to produce additional energy. Thus, energy conservation plays a crucial role in sustainable development and efficient use of limited energy resources.
Key Points: Energy is essential for all sectors of the economy - Agriculture, industry, transport, domestic- Energy consumption is rising steadily in the country- Limited energy resources necessitate judicious use- Conservation reduces the need for additional energy production- Using public transport, switching off unused devices, and power-saving devices help save energy- Energy saved reduces pressure on resources and supports sustainable development
Question 3.
Two places (A) and (B) have been marked on the given outline political Map of India. Identify them with the help of given information and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them:
(1) The place where the session of INC was held in September, 1920
[1 Marks]
Answer: The session of the Indian National Congress (INC) held in September 1920 took place in Mumbai (then Bombay). This session was significant as it marked the beginning of the Non-Cooperation Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
Key Points: Identify the place of the INC session in September 1920 as Mumbai-Bond with the Non-Cooperation Movement-Began under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership-Significance of the 1920 session
(2) The place where Mahatma Gandhi broke Salt Law.
Answer: The place where Mahatma Gandhi broke the Salt Law is Dandi. On 6th April 1930, Gandhi reached Dandi, a coastal village in Gujarat, where he broke the British Salt Law by making salt from seawater. This event marked the beginning of the Dandi March or Salt Satyagraha, a significant act of civil disobedience against the British salt monopoly.
Key Points: Dandi-Gandhi broke Salt Law here-Date: 6th April 1930-Beginning of Salt Satyagraha or Dandi March-Protest against British salt monopoly
(3) On the same outline Map of India, locate and label any THREE of the following with suitable symbols: (1) Hirakud Dam (ii) Tarapur Atomic Power Station (iii) Pune Software Technology Park (iv) Paradip Sea Port
Answer: On the outline map of India, the following three places have been located and labeled with appropriate symbols: 1. Hirakud Dam has been marked in Odisha, near Sambalpur on the Mahanadi river. 2. Tarapur Atomic Power Station is located in Maharashtra, near Mumbai along the western coast. 3. Paradip Sea Port has been located in Odisha, along the east coast on the Bay of Bengal. Suitable symbols used are a dam symbol for Hirakud Dam, an atomic symbol for Tarapur Atomic Power Station, and an anchor symbol for Paradip Sea Port.
Key Points: Locate Hirakud Dam in Odisha near Sambalpur-Mark it with a dam symbol-Locate Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Maharashtra near Mumbai-Mark it with atomic/nuclear symbol-Locate Paradip Sea Port in Odisha on the east coast-Mark it with an anchor or port symbol-Use appropriate and clear symbols and label the places correctly on the outline map.
(4) The following questions are for Visually Impaired Candidates only: (1) Name the place where the session of INC was held in September, 1920. (2) Name the state where Gandhiji broke Salt Law. (3) Name the place where Salal Dam is located. (4) Name the state where Tarapur Nuclear Plant is located. (5) Name the state where Pune Software Technology park is located. (6) Name the state where 'Paradip' Sea Port is located.
Answer: 1. The session of Indian National Congress (INC) held in September 1920 took place in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
2. Gandhiji broke the Salt Law in the state of Gujarat.
3. Salal Dam is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
4. Tarapur Nuclear Plant is situated in Maharashtra.
5. Pune Software Technology Park is located in Maharashtra.
6. Paradip Sea Port is in the state of Odisha.
Key Points: INC session September 1920 - Calcutta (Kolkata)-Gandhiji broke Salt Law - Gujarat-Salal Dam - Jammu and Kashmir-Tarapur Nuclear Plant - Maharashtra-Pune Software Technology Park - Maharashtra-Paradip Sea Port - Odisha
Section B
Question 4.
[1 Marks]
Match the following attributes of allegory of Germania with its significance and choose the correct option:
Explanation: The correct option is: a-IV, b-III, c-I, d-II. This is because each attribute of the allegory of Germania corresponds to a specific significance related to German nationalism and imperial ambition, as explained in the context related to Hitler's imperialism. The allegory represents the idealized German identity which was used to justify nationalism and expansionism. Matching each attribute to its correct significance helps understand how these symbols reinforced Nazi ideology.
Question 5.
Which one of the following aspects was common between the writings of B.R. Ambedkar and B.Y. Ramaswamy Naicker?
[1 Marks]
Explanation: Both B.R. Ambedkar and E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar) wrote powerfully on the caste system in India. Their writings challenged the caste hierarchy and were influential in raising awareness and critique of caste discrimination, as stated in the provided context.
Question 6.
[1 Marks]
Who of the following set up the first Iron and Steel industry in India?
Explanation: The correct answer is J.R.D. Tata. According to the context, J.N. Tata (associated with J.R.D. Tata) set up the first iron and steel works in India at Jamshedpur in 1912. The Tata Iron and Steel Company Limited (TISCO) was the first iron and steel plant in India. Hence, J.R.D. Tata is the correct option.
Question 7.
[1 Marks]
Arrange the following in chronological order and choose the correct option:
I. The Breton Woods conference established the International Monetary Fund,
II. The Second World War broke out between Axis and Allied powers,
III. A car manufacturer Henry Ford adopted the Assembly Line Method for production.
IV. The Western economies organised themselves as a group called The Group of 77.
Explanation: The correct chronological order is III, II, I, IV. Henry Ford adopted the Assembly Line Method first, which revolutionized production in the early 20th century (around 1913). The Second World War broke out later, in 1939. After the war, in 1944, the Bretton Woods conference established the International Monetary Fund. Finally, The Group of 77 was formed by Western economies much later, in 1964.
Question 8.
[1 Marks]
Identify the crop with the help of the following information and choose the correct option.
Explanation: The crop described is Sugarcane, which is a tropical and subtropical crop growing well in hot and humid climate with temperatures between 21°C to 27°C and rainfall between 75 cm and 100 cm. Sugarcane is mentioned as a cash crop needing manual labour and irrigation in low rainfall areas. Therefore, among the options Sugarcane, Rice, Wheat, and Maize, Sugarcane fits the description best.
Question 9.
[1 Marks]
In which of the following States Tungabhadra Dam is located?
Explanation: The Tungabhadra river is a tributary of the Krishna river, whose basin is shared by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The Tungabhadra Dam is located on the Tungabhadra river, primarily in the state of Karnataka. Therefore, the correct answer is Karnataka.
Question 10.
Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
[1 Marks]
Explanation: The correct pair is 'Alluvial Soil - Gangetic Plain'. According to the provided context, alluvial soil is the most widely spread soil in the northern plains of India, which includes the Gangetic Plain. It is deposited by the major Himalayan river systems such as the Ganga. Other options are incorrect because Black Soil is typical of the Deccan trap region, not the Himalayan region; Laterite Soil is found in regions with high rainfall like the Western Ghats, not desert areas; and Arid Soil is found in desert areas, not the Western Ghats.
Question 11.
Which of the following countries has the highest life expectancy at birth?
[1 Marks]
Explanation: According to the provided context, although Nepal and Bangladesh have lower per capita income than India, they have better life expectancy. Among the options Nepal, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, Bangladesh has better life expectancy than India and Nepal. The context highlights that countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have higher life expectancy despite lower income, and Nepal and Bangladesh are mentioned explicitly as better than India in life expectancy. Hence, Bangladesh is the country with the highest life expectancy at birth among the given options.
Question 12.
Which of the following organizations provides data regarding employment in India?
[1 Marks]
Explanation: The National Statistical Office (NSO), formerly known as the Central Statistical Organization, is responsible for collecting and providing data related to employment in India. The context mentions data from the Central Statistical Organization of India regarding employment, indicating this organization’s role in employment data. Other organizations listed such as NITI Aayog, Public Service Commission, and National Informatics Centre do not primarily deal with employment data.
Question 13.
Which one of the following is a major benefit to a Multinational Corporation (MNC) when it works on joint production with a local company?
[1 Marks]
Explanation: The correct answer is that the MNC shares its latest technology with the local company. When MNCs set up joint production with local companies, one major benefit to them is the ability to provide money for additional investments such as new machines and technology, which helps in faster and improved production. This sharing of technology enhances production efficiency and interlinks production across countries, benefiting both the MNC and the local company.
Question 14.
Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
[1 Marks]
Explanation: The correct pair is 'Primary Sector - Fishermen'. The primary sector includes activities directly related to natural resources and raw materials, such as agriculture, fishing, mining, and animal husbandry. Fishermen engage in fishing, which is a primary sector activity. The secondary sector involves manufacturing and processing (not priests), the tertiary sector involves services like trade, education, and healthcare (not basket weavers), and the quaternary sector relates to advanced knowledge and information services, which does not include gardeners.
Question 15.
Assume there are four families in a locality. If the monthly incomes of each family are ₹10,000, ₹20,000, ₹30,000 and ₹40,000, then what is the average income of the locality? Choose the correct option.
[1 Marks]
Explanation: The average income is found by adding all incomes and dividing by the number of families. Here, (10,000 + 20,000 + 30,000 + 40,000) = 1,00,000. Dividing by 4 gives ₹25,000. So, the average income of the locality is ₹25,000.
Question 16.
Who among the following gives formal credit?
[1 Marks]
Explanation: Cooperative societies provide formal credit as they are organized institutions that pool members' resources and lend at regulated interest rates. In contrast, relatives, traders, and moneylenders are part of the informal credit sector, where lending is unregulated and terms vary widely.
Question 17.
[1 Marks]
Consider the following statements on Power Sharing and choose the correct option:
I. It deepens democracy.
II. It helps to reduce conflicts among social groups.
III. It is a way to ensure political stability.
IV. It brings socio-economic struggles.
Explanation: The correct option is I, II and III. Power sharing is desirable because it deepens democracy by involving various groups in decision-making, helps to reduce conflicts among social groups by giving them a stake in governance, and ensures political stability by preventing the concentration of power in one hand. Statement IV is incorrect because power sharing aims to reduce socio-economic struggles rather than bring them.
Question 18.
[1 Marks]
Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A): Elections are the spirit of democracy.
Reason (R): Elections expand political participation.
Explanation: Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and the Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A). Elections are fundamental to democracy because they allow people to choose their representatives and leaders. This process expands political participation by giving citizens the opportunity to be involved in the political decision-making through voting. Moreover, free and fair elections provide real choices between political alternatives and make it possible to remove existing rulers if the people wish so.
Question 19.
Which one of the following is the most popular form of government in the contemporary world?
[1 Marks]
Explanation: The correct answer is Democratic Government. Democracy is currently the most prevalent form of government worldwide and is expanding to more countries. Representative democracy, where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, is the most common form of democracy today. Democratic governments are considered better at responding to the needs of the people compared to non-democratic forms such as dictatorial, constitutional monarchy, or military governments.
Question 20.
Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read and choose the correct option: Assertion (A): Women in different parts of the world organized themselves and agitated for equal rights. Reason (R): Women's movement aimed at equality in personal and family life as well.
[1 Marks]
Explanation: Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A). The women's movement involved women organizing themselves worldwide to fight for equal rights. This movement, also called the feminist movement, aimed not only to improve women's rights in public and political life but also sought equality in personal and family life by challenging discriminatory family laws across religions.
Question 21.
Which one of the following matters does NOT deal with Family Laws?
[1 Marks]
Explanation: Finance does not deal with Family Laws. Family Laws typically cover matters related to marriage, adoption, and inheritance as these involve relationships and rights within families. Finance, however, generally pertains to economic or monetary matters and is not a part of Family Laws.
Section C
Question 22.
Explain Romanticism as a cultural movement in Europe.
[2 Marks]
Answer: Romanticism was a cultural movement in Europe that developed as a reaction against the focus on reason and science during the Enlightenment. It emphasized emotions, intuition, and mystical feelings. Romantic artists and poets tried to create a sense of shared collective heritage and common cultural past. This helped to express and shape nationalist feelings by valuing the unique history, traditions, and culture of a nation rather than relying only on classical civilizations like Rome and Greece.
Question 23.
Explain Frederic Sarrieu’s dream in the context of democratic and social public in France in 1848.
[2 Marks]
Answer: In 1848, Frédéric Sorrieu, a French artist, depicted his dream of a world united by democratic and social republics. His series of prints showed people from Europe and America, regardless of age or class, marching together and paying homage to the statue of Liberty. This symbolizes the hope for freedom, equality, and popular sovereignty following the French Revolution's principles. Sorrieu envisioned a society where all citizens enjoyed rights and liberal education to develop individually. His dream inspired movements towards constitutions and voting rights in France, highlighting the demand for true democracy and social justice.
Question 24.
[2 Marks]
Mention any two features of Plantation agriculture.
Answer: Plantation agriculture involves the cultivation of a single crop on a large area. It requires a large amount of labour and capital. The produce from plantations may be processed on the farm or in nearby factories. Additionally, plantations are found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions and need a good transport network for distribution. Tea, coffee, sugarcane, and rubber are common examples of plantation crops.
Question 25.
[2 Marks]
Explain any two provisions that make India a secular state.
Answer: India is a secular state because its Constitution ensures that there is no domination of one religious community over another. First, it guarantees the freedom of religion to all citizens, allowing everyone to practice, profess, and propagate their religion without any interference. Second, the State does not favor or enforce any particular religion on its people. These provisions help prevent religious domination and maintain religious harmony in the country.
Question 26.
[2 Marks]
Imagine that you are the village Head. Suggest any two activities that you think should be taken up to increase the income of the villagers.
Answer: As the village Head, to increase the income of the villagers, I would suggest two main activities. First, introducing improved agricultural practices and modern tools can increase crop yield and quality, resulting in better income for farmers. Second, promoting small-scale industries such as handicrafts or dairy farming can diversify income sources and provide additional employment opportunities. These activities will help villagers become self-reliant and improve their economic conditions.
Section D
Question 27.
Explain the implication of print culture on the religious reforms in India during 19th century.
[3 Marks]
Answer: During the 19th century in India, print culture played a crucial role in shaping religious reforms. Various Muslim sects and seminaries used Urdu print to publicly debate and promote their interpretations of Islam, which helped them enlarge their followings and counter opponents. Among Hindus, print encouraged the reading and discussion of religious texts in vernacular languages, fostering awareness and critique of existing practices. Intense debates emerged addressing religious issues, as different groups responded to colonial society's changes by offering new interpretations, calling for reforms, or opposing them. The print media stimulated the publication of conflicting views among communities and facilitated communication across regions. Newspapers carried news and ideas from one place to another, promoting pan-Indian identities. Thus, print culture not only facilitated religious debates and reform movements but also created connections and a shared consciousness across diverse communities in India during the 19th century.
Question 28.
[3 Marks]
How has Information Technology affected Electronic Industry? Explain.
Answer: Information Technology (IT) has greatly impacted the electronic industry by driving rapid advancements in telecommunications, computers, and the Internet. This has led to the development of diverse electronic products from basic transistor sets to complex equipment like telephone exchanges, radars, and cellular telecom devices. Bangalore, known as the electronic capital of India, along with other cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Pune, has become a major center for electronic goods production. The growth in hardware and software industries, fueled by IT progress, has created significant employment opportunities and contributed to India's overall economic growth. IT has enhanced the efficiency, innovation, and expansion of the electronic industry, enabling it to meet the increasing demands of modern communication and technology sectors.
Question 29.
[3 Marks]
The question of sustainability of development raises many fundamentally new issues about the nature and process of development.' Explain it with examples.
Answer: The question of sustainability of development introduces new challenges regarding how development should be carried out. Unlike traditional development, which mainly focused on economic growth, sustainable development also emphasizes environmental protection, social equity, and resource conservation to ensure long-term benefits. For example, India depends heavily on importing crude oil, which is a non-renewable resource. This reliance poses risks such as economic burden due to price fluctuations and environmental degradation. Furthermore, environmental issues like pollution and resource depletion affect not only one country but cross national boundaries, making sustainability a global concern. Sustainable development encourages minimizing natural resource depletion, respecting all life forms, and improving the quality of life without compromising future generations. To illustrate, instead of increasing oil consumption, investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power contributes to sustainability. Hence, sustainability of development requires integrating ecological, social, and economic dimensions, making the development process more complex but essential for a balanced future.
Question 30.
[3 Marks]
Explain any three functions of Political Party.
Answer: Political parties perform several important functions in a democracy. First, they contest elections by selecting candidates to represent them and compete for political power. This allows the public to choose their representatives through voting. Second, political parties formulate policies and programmes that aim to address societal issues and promote the collective good. They try to implement these policies once they gain power. Third, parties help in making the government accountable by supporting or opposing the government and its policies. They act as a bridge between the government and the public, ensuring different views are represented. Thus, political parties are essential for the smooth functioning of a democratic system.
Question 31.
[3 Marks]
Explain any three functions of the Reserve Bank of India.
Answer:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) performs several important functions to maintain the stability and growth of the Indian economy. Three key functions of the RBI are:
1. Issuing Currency: The RBI is the sole authority in India that issues currency notes on behalf of the government. No other individual or institution is allowed to print currency, and the rupee issued by the RBI is the only legal tender in India.
2. Maintaining Cash Reserves: The RBI ensures that banks maintain a minimum cash reserve called the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR). This is to make sure that banks have enough cash to meet the withdrawal demands of their customers and to maintain financial stability.
3. Supervising Banks and Credit Distribution: The RBI monitors the banking system closely to ensure that banks provide loans not only to profitable businesses but also to small farmers, small industries, and other needy sectors. It supervises formal sources of credit to ensure equitable distribution of financial resources.
These functions help the RBI regulate the economy, control inflation, and promote financial inclusion.
Question 32.
[3 Marks]
Explain the role of banks with regard to money which they accept from the public.
Answer: Banks play a crucial role in the economy by accepting deposits from the public and using this money to support various economic activities. When people deposit money in banks, the banks keep only a small portion of these deposits as cash reserves to meet withdrawal demands. The rest of the money is given out as loans to those who need funds for business, education, or other purposes. This process helps in transforming individual savings into productive investments. Banks also pay interest to the depositors as a reward for saving their money. Additionally, banks facilitate easy payments and transactions through demand deposits and cheques, making the modern monetary system efficient. Thus, banks act as intermediaries between savers who have surplus money and borrowers who need money, contributing to economic growth and financial stability.
Section E
Question 33.
[5 Marks]
Analyse the implications of First World War on the economic and political situation of India.
Answer: The First World War had significant implications on both the economic and political situation of India. Economically, the war led to a sharp increase in defence expenditure by the Government of India. To meet the rising costs, the government imposed new taxes, including income tax and higher customs duties, which increased the financial burden on the Indian people. The increased military spending and the demand for war supplies caused a steep rise in prices, resulting in inflation and widespread hardship, particularly for the common people. Politically, the First World War created a new situation in India. The increased taxes and hardships caused dissatisfaction among Indians. Moreover, many Indians participated in the war effort with the expectation of political concessions after the war. However, the promised reforms were limited, leading to growing political discontent and increased demand for self-rule. The war also led to the emergence of new political ideas and movements, eventually strengthening the nationalist struggle against British colonial rule. Thus, the First World War significantly altered India's economic conditions and intensified the political awakening that would shape the country's freedom movement in the years to come.
Question 34.
Analyse the role of folklore and symbols in the revival of nationalism in India during the 19th century.
[5 Marks]
Answer: During the 19th century, the revival of nationalism in India was strongly influenced by the rediscovery and promotion of folklore and symbols which fostered a sense of unity and pride among Indians. Nationalists began collecting folk tales, songs, legends, and popular prints that illustrated India’s rich cultural heritage. These elements created a shared identity that connected diverse communities and countered colonial narratives that deemed Indians as backward. The figure of Bharat Mata (Mother India), widely depicted by artists, became a powerful symbol of the nation that people could identify with emotionally and spiritually. The movement to preserve folk traditions, led by personalities like Rabindranath Tagore in Bengal and Natesa Sastri in Madras, helped reinforce pride in Indian culture and history. This folk revival was intertwined with the reinterpretation of Indian history, which sought to instill confidence and a renewed sense of national pride. Through folklore and symbols, Indian nationalists were able to unite people across regions and classes by creating a common cultural thread that celebrated India’s unique identity against colonial rule. This cultural nationalism laid the foundation for the anti-colonial struggle and the eventual quest for independence.
Question 35.
[5 Marks]
'Efficient means of transport as a pre-requisite for fast development. Justify the statement.'
Answer: Efficient means of transport are essential for rapid development because they ensure the smooth movement of goods, services, and people. Transport connects production centers with markets, allowing goods to reach consumers quickly and cost-effectively. For instance, transporting grain or charcoal using slow means like bullock carts can make a city's economy unviable due to delays and high costs. Efficient transport, whether by land, water, or air, reduces travel time and expenses, boosting trade and industrial growth. In today's globalized world, industries must compete internationally; timely delivery and reliable transport play a crucial role in maintaining quality and competitiveness. Development of science and technology has expanded trade's reach, turning the world into a 'global village.' Moreover, efficient transport supports urban development and modern amenities, contributing to improved living standards. Therefore, without a dense and effective network of transport, local, national, and global trade cannot flourish, hindering fast development of any region or country.
Question 36.
[5 Marks]
'Roadways have an edge over Railways. Justify the statement.'
Answer: Roadways have several advantages over railways, making them an important mode of transport, especially in a country like India. Firstly, the construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines, enabling quicker and more economical development. Roads can traverse more challenging and undulating terrains as they are better suited to negotiate higher gradients and slopes, such as those found in the Himalayan mountains. This makes road transport highly adaptable in diverse topographies. Moreover, roadways provide door-to-door service, reducing the cost and effort involved in loading and unloading, unlike railways which require additional handling at stations. Road transport is economical for carrying small numbers of passengers or smaller amounts of goods over short distances, offering flexibility and convenience. Lastly, roads serve as feeders to other transport modes, enhancing connectivity and accessibility. Although railways are vital for bulk and long-distance travel, roadways have an edge in terms of ease of construction, maintenance, and service adaptability, making them indispensable in the transportation network.
Question 37.
"There is overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world". Support the statement with examples.
[5 Marks]
Answer: Democracy is widely supported all over the world because it allows people to choose their representatives and have a say in how they are governed. People believe that being ruled by elected representatives is fairer and more just than being ruled by monarchs, military rulers, or religious leaders. For example, in South Asia, even countries without democratic regimes show strong support for democracy, indicating its universal appeal. Many countries that were not democratic earlier have gradually adopted democratic systems. Although democracy may sometimes be slow or inefficient, it remains the most legitimate form of government because it is based on the consent of the people. Additionally, democracy promotes freedom, equality, and accountability, ensuring that the government works for the benefit of its citizens. This wide acceptance and transition towards democratic governance around the world confirms that democracy is the preferred system of government for most people.
Question 38.
"Democracy can address all socio-economic and political problems." Support the statement with arguments.
[5 Marks]
Answer: Democracy is often viewed as a powerful system capable of solving all socio-economic and political problems because it involves the active participation of people in decision-making. One strong argument in favor of democracy is that it provides a method to address differences and conflicts in society peacefully. In a diverse country like ours, where people have varied opinions and interests, democracy gives everyone a voice through voting and representation. It promotes freedom and equality, enabling citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Although democracy does not guarantee perfect decisions or immediate solutions to problems like poverty, it allows people to make their own choices and learn from mistakes. Democracy also fosters social harmony by ensuring that disagreements are handled through dialogue rather than violence. Ultimately, even if democracy cannot solve every problem instantly, it empowers citizens, nurtures responsible leadership, and strengthens social unity, which are essential foundations for addressing complex socio-economic and political challenges over time.
Question 39.
Analyse the impact of globalization in India.
[5 Marks]
Answer: Globalization has had a profound impact on India over the last two decades, transforming its economy and society. Post-independence, India focused on intensive industrialization and urbanization, which created numerous opportunities. With globalization, Indian industries expanded and became more integrated with the global economy. Many multinational corporations established themselves in India, boosting trade and investment. This integration connected India with the world market, making it responsive to global economic changes. However, globalization also brought challenges, such as increased pressure on freshwater resources due to industrial growth and environmental concerns. The relocation of industries to low-wage countries, including India, stimulated global trade and capital flows, contributing to rapid economic transformations. India, along with countries like China and Brazil, emerged as key players in the world economy. While globalization improved economic prospects and created employment opportunities, it also made India vulnerable to global economic fluctuations. In summary, globalization has accelerated India's economic growth and integration into the global market while presenting challenges related to resource management and economic stability.
Question 40.
Analyse the ways to make globalization fair.
[5 Marks]
Answer: Globalization has created many opportunities but its benefits have not been shared equally by all sections of society. To make globalization fair, first, governments need to play a crucial role by implementing policies that protect the interests of the marginalized and underprivileged groups. This includes improving access to education and skill development so more people can benefit from economic opportunities. Second, fair trade practices should be encouraged rather than complete liberalization that may harm local industries. Countries should ensure that international organizations and agreements consider the needs of poorer nations and vulnerable populations. Third, social safety nets and welfare schemes should be strengthened to provide support to those who may lose jobs or face hardships due to globalization. Fourth, promoting inclusive growth and equitable distribution of resources will help reduce disparities. Lastly, there should be cooperation between nations to ensure that globalization promotes sustainable development, protecting the environment and human rights. Overall, making globalization fair means creating opportunities for all people, ensuring better sharing of benefits, and adopting national and international policies that prioritize equity and justice.
Other Years — SOCIAL SCIENCE