Social Studies PYQs

Correct Answer is** (b), (c) and (d)**

Note: According to official answer key only (b), (c) and (d) are correct.

Key Points 

• The statement suggests that Ladakh is often referred to as "Little Tibet."

Religious Similarity

• Both Ladakh and Tibet follow Tibetan Buddhism, which is a significant aspect of their cultural and spiritual life.
• The monasteries, rituals, and practices in Ladakh closely resemble those found in Tibet, making religious similarity a strong reason for the nickname "Little Tibet."

Similar Cuisines

• While there may be some overlap in the cuisines of Ladakh and Tibet due to shared ingredients and geographical conditions, cuisine alone is not a defining factor for such a cultural and historical comparison.

Linguistic Similarity

• Ladakh and Tibet share linguistic ties, with several languages and dialects spoken in Ladakh being closely related to or influenced by Tibetan languages.
• This linguistic similarity reinforces the cultural and historical connections between the two regions.

The correct answer is 'It was founded in 1928 at Firozeshah Kotla in Delhi.'

 Key Points

• Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) was not founded in 1928 at Amritsar in Punjab.
• It was actually established at Firoz Shah Kotla, Delhi, making this statement the incorrect one regarding the HSRA.

 Additional Information

• The members of the HSRA, including Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, were involved in the assassination of British police officer John Saunders in 1928, in Lahore, as a retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
• Bhagat Singh, along with others like Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru, played a significant role in the reorganization and activities of the HSRA, although it was initially founded by Sachindra Nath Sanyal and others. Bhagat Singh is often associated with the HSRA due to his prominent role in its notable actions.
• HSRA was indeed founded in 1928 at Firoz Shah Kotla, Delhi. This was a pivotal moment that marked the formal establishment of the association, which aimed to fight against British rule in India through revolutionary means.

Correct Answer: Utility or usability

 Key Points

• An object or substance is considered a resource when it has utility or usability.
• This means it must be able to serve a purpose, fulfill a need, or provide value in some form.
• The concept of utility encompasses the idea that for something to be a resource, it must be useful and have the potential to be used in a productive or beneficial way.

Additional Information 

• Discovery of object: Simply discovering an object does not automatically make it a resource. It's the utility that determines its status as a resource, not the act of discovery.
• Purification: While purification can enhance the usability of some substances, making them more valuable as resources, the process itself does not define something as a resource. A substance or object must first have inherent utility, which may then be enhanced by purification.
• Extraction: Similar to purification, extraction is a process that may be applied to resources. However, the act of extracting something does not inherently make it a resource. It's the underlying utility of the object or substance, not the process of extraction, that qualifies it as a resource.

The correct naswer is 'Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) explains (A)'.​

Key Points

• It was during Shah Jahan's reign that the different elements of Mughal architecture were fused together in a grand harmonious synthesis.
• This is a true statement.
• Shah Jahan's era is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of Mughal architecture. He commissioned the construction of several iconic monuments, including the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort in Delhi, and the Jama Masjid, which are considered masterpieces of Mughal architecture.
• These structures showcase a blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural elements, marking the zenith of Mughal architectural synthesis.
• His reign witnessed a huge amount of construction activity especially in Agra and Delhi.
• This reason is also true.
• Agra and Delhi were two of the most important cities during Shah Jahan's reign, serving as his capitals at different times.
• The monumental buildings and complexes built during his period in these cities reflect the extensive construction activities and the resources allocated for these projects.
• The architectural endeavors not only aimed at showcasing the empire's wealth and Shah Jahan's taste for aesthetics but also at reinforcing the Mughal presence through grand and lasting symbols.

Relationship between A and R:

The reason (R) directly supports the assertion (A). The extensive construction activities during Shah Jahan's reign, especially in Agra and Delhi, provided the platform for the fusion of different architectural elements. This period of prolific building activity allowed for experimentation and the eventual synthesis of a distinctive Mughal architectural style that harmonized various influences. Therefore, the reason (R) explains why the assertion (A) is true, as the grand and harmonious synthesis of Mughal architecture could not have occurred without the significant construction endeavors under Shah Jahan's rule.

The correct option 'Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) does not explain (A)'.

Key Points

• The Mahalwari settlement for revenue collection was introduced by Holt Mackenzie.
• This statement is true.
• Holt Mackenzie introduced the Mahalwari system in 1822.
• The Mahalwari system was a revenue collection system implemented in the northwestern provinces of the British Indian Empire, primarily in the Punjab, Awadh, and Agra regions.
• The system was designed to improve upon the shortcomings of the previously used Zamindari system.
• The charge of collecting the revenue and paying it to the company was given to the village headman, rather than the Zamindar.
• This statement is also true but requires clarification. In the Mahalwari system, the responsibility for paying revenue was collectively assigned to the village or a group of villages known as a 'mahal'.
• Hence, the village community, represented by village headmen or elders, was responsible for collecting the revenue from individual peasants and then paying it to the East India Company.
• The system aimed to create a collective responsibility for revenue payment, reducing the emphasis on individual zamindars (landlords) as the primary revenue collectors for the British.

However, the reason (R) does not explain the assertion (A) because it does not directly relate to why Holt Mackenzie introduced the Mahalwari system. The introduction of the Mahalwari system by Holt Mackenzie was driven by the desire to create a more efficient and equitable system of revenue collection that would be more acceptable to the peasantry and more profitable or administratively convenient for the British East India Company. The shift in responsibility from zamindars to village headmen or communities was a feature of the Mahalwari system, but it does not explain the rationale behind its introduction by Mackenzie.

(b) and (c) are correct

 Key Points

Statement (b): People are very hardworking here.

This statement is correct. The hard work and dedication of the farmers, combined with their knowledge and application of agricultural practices, contribute to the success of farming in the prairies. Hence, Statement B is correct.

Statement (c): Scientific methods of cultivation are used here.

This statement is correct. Scientific methods, including crop rotation, the use of fertilizers, and pest control measures, are integral to the high yield of wheat and other crops in the prairies. These methods ensure the efficient use of resources and maximize output. Hence, Statement C is correct.

Additional Information

Statement (a): People do not use technology here. 

This statement is incorrect. The prairies are known for their advanced agricultural technologies. The use of machinery and modern farming techniques significantly contributes to the high productivity of crops, especially wheat. Hence, Statement A is incorrect.

Statement (d): There is a lack of rainfall in this region.

• This statement is somewhat misleading. While it is true that some prairie regions experience semi-arid conditions, the success in agriculture is often due to the effective management of water resources, including irrigation. Moreover, the statement does not directly contribute to explaining why the prairies are called the "Granaries of the World." Hence, Statement D does not directly contribute to the surplus production of wheat in a positive sense.

Conclusion:

The correct answer is option 3, which includes statements (b) and (c).

Answer- To locate places on earth

Key Points

Latitudes and Longitudes:  These are the imaginary lines drawn on the globe to form a grid. This grid system helps in accurately locating any place on Earth's surface.

Latitudes:

• These are the horizontal lines that run from east to west.
• The Equator is the primary latitude line, dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
• Latitudes are measured in degrees, with the Equator at 0undefined latitude and the poles at 90undefined North or South.
• They are also known as parallels because they run parallel to the Equator and each other.

 

​Longitudes:

• These are the vertical lines that run from north to south.
• The Prime Meridian, which passes through Greenwich, England, is the zero-degree longitude line.
• Longitudes are measured in degrees, with the Prime Meridian at 0undefined and extending to 180undefined East or West.
• They converge at the poles and are widest apart at the Equator.

Purpose of Latitudes and Longitudes:

• Location Identification: The primary purpose of these lines is to pinpoint the exact location of any place on Earth. By combining the degrees of latitude and longitude, one can specify any location accurately.
• Navigation: Before the advent of modern GPS technology, sailors and explorers relied on maps marked with latitudes and longitudes for navigation. Even today, they are essential for understanding global positioning.

 

Additional Information

• Time Zones: The concept of time zones is based on the division of the world into segments by longitudinal lines.

Each time zone typically spans 15 degrees of longitude and helps in standardizing time across the globe.

• Climate and Weather Prediction: Latitudes are crucial in determining climate zones. For example, regions near the Equator experience tropical climates, while those near the poles have polar climates. Longitudes, combined with latitudes, help in tracking weather systems and predicting weather.
• Astronomical Observations: These lines also assist astronomers in aligning telescopes with celestial objects. Knowing the Earth's position relative to stars and planets is vital for observations and research.

In summary, latitudes and longitudes are not merely lines drawn on a globe; they are fundamental tools for navigation, location identification, understanding climate zones, standardizing global time, and aiding in astronomical research.

Gravitational force of the Earth

 Key Points

 

Gravitational Force of the Earth:

This is what keeps the atmosphere attached to our planet. Earth's gravity pulls gases and particles in the air towards the center of the planet, ensuring that the atmosphere doesn't drift off into space. This gravitational pull is essential for maintaining a stable environment where life as we know it can thrive.

 Additional InformationGravitational Force of the Moon: While the moon does exert a gravitational force that affects Earth, such as influencing the tides, it is not responsible for keeping Earth's atmosphere in place. The moon's gravitational pull is significantly weaker than Earth's, given its smaller mass.

Heat of the Sun: The sun's heat is crucial for maintaining temperatures on Earth that can support life. It drives weather patterns and climate systems by heating the atmosphere unevenly, but it does not play a direct role in keeping the atmosphere attached to Earth. Solar radiation pressure, in fact, can contribute to the slow escape of atmospheric particles into space, opposite to the retaining effect.

Rocks and Oceans on the Earth: The physical features of Earth, including rocks and oceans, do not have a direct role in keeping the atmosphere in place. These features are affected by the atmosphere in terms of weathering and erosion (rocks) and temperature regulation (oceans), but they do not contribute to the gravitational pull that retains the atmosphere.

In summary, it is the gravitational force of the Earth that is responsible for holding the atmosphere in place, enabling the conditions necessary for life.

The correct answer is 'Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)'.

Key Points

• Stereotypes prevent people from doing certain things that they are good at.
• This posits that stereotypes have a limiting effect on people, preventing them from engaging in activities or roles they might excel in.
• This is because stereotypes often come with preconceived notions about what certain groups of people can or cannot do, based on characteristics like gender, race, age, etc.
• For example, if there's a stereotype that women are not good at mathematics, a woman who is actually skilled in math might either not pursue a career in it or might be discouraged by others from doing so. Hence, the assertion is true.
• Stereotypes stop us from recognizing unique qualities and skills in individuals and fit them into one pattern.
• Stereotypes hinder our ability to see the unique qualities and skills of individuals because they encourage us to categorize people into specific, often limiting patterns.
• This is true as well because stereotypes are essentially generalizations about a group that do not account for the individual differences within the group.
• For instance, saying all Asians are good at math ignores the variance in abilities and interests among individuals within Asian communities. Therefore, the reason is true.

Relationship Between Assertion and Reason:

The reason (R) directly explains why the assertion (A) is true. Stereotypes indeed prevent people from doing things they are good at because these stereotypes lead to a lack of recognition of individual abilities (as explained by R). By fitting everyone into the same pattern, unique talents and skills can be overlooked or suppressed, which in turn prevents individuals from pursuing or being encouraged to pursue areas where they could excel.

(a), (b), (d) are correct

Key PointsStatement (a): It grows well in alluvial soil. 

• Jute grows best in well-drained, fertile alluvial soil, which is commonly found in the Ganges Delta shared by India and Bangladesh.
• This type of soil is ideal for jute because it is rich in nutrients and retains moisture well. Hence, Statement (a) is correct.

Statement (b): It requires high temperature.

• Jute cultivation requires a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging from 24undefinedC to 37C.
• This condition is prevalent in the tropical regions of India and Bangladesh, making them suitable for jute production. Hence, Statement (b) is correct.

 

Statement (d): It requires heavy rainfall and humidity.

• It requires heavy rainfall and high humidity levels.
• These conditions are crucial during the sowing and growing periods of jute, ensuring the soil remains moist and conducive for the plant's growth. Hence, Statement (d) is correct.

Additional Information 

Statement (c): It requires low temperature and low rainfall.

• Jute actually thrives in a high temperature and requires a significant amount of rainfall, typically between 1500mm to 3000mm.
• The crop depends on a warm and wet climate, contrary to the low temperature and low rainfall mentioned in the statement. Hence, Statement (c) is incorrect.

 

Based on the explanations above: Option 3: (a), (b), (d) are correct

The concept of 'Insolation,' which refers to the solar radiation received on a surface, is often best understood through visual means and practical examples. 

Key Points

• By demonstrating the principles of insolation through visual aids, models, or experiments, students can observe and understand how solar radiation interacts with different surfaces and influences factors such as angle and intensity.
• Demonstration provides a hands-on experience, making it an effective method for grasping abstract concepts like insolation.

Therefore, the best method to teach the concept of 'Insolation' would be Demonstration.

Social science is a broad field of study that explores and analyzes human behavior, societies, and their interactions.

Key Points

• (A) is true: History, geography, political science, and economics are indeed some of the core disciplines that make up the social sciences. They explore different aspects of human societies and their interactions with the world around them.
• (R) is true: There is undoubtedly an interrelationship between these disciplines. For example, historical events can shape geographical landscapes, political decisions can have economic consequences, and economic systems can influence cultural and social structures.
• Here (R) does not explain (A), because there is no direct relation given between the Assertion and Reason.

Therefore, Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) does not explain (A).

Confusion PointsBoard has given both option 2 and option 3 as the correct answer.

The correct answer is (a), (b) and (c)

Key Points

• To ensure accountability of the government
• This statement is correct.
• Regularly held elections are a fundamental aspect of a democracy because they provide a mechanism for the public to hold elected officials and the government accountable.
• If the government or specific representatives do not perform according to the expectations of their constituents, they can be voted out of office in the next election.
• To ensure equal political participation by the parties 
• This statement is correct.
• Fixed-time elections help ensure that all political parties have equal opportunities to participate in the electoral process.
• This is crucial for maintaining a competitive political environment where no single party can dominate due to timing advantages.
• To encourage political debate and public dialogue
• This statement is correct.
• The regular occurrence of elections encourages ongoing political debates and public dialogue on various issues facing the society.
• It ensures that political discourse remains dynamic and responsive to the changing needs and concerns of the populace.
• It is a customary practice
• This statement is incorrect.
• While tradition may play a role in the timing of elections in some democracies, the primary reason for fixed-time intervals is not custom but the need for accountability, equal participation, and vibrant political dialogue.
• Regular elections are enshrined in the laws and constitutions of democracies, emphasizing their importance beyond mere tradition.

Sources refer to the materials or evidence used to gather information, support arguments, or draw conclusions.

Key Points

• They are more concrete in nature: Sources can be concrete or tangible, such as artifacts, documents, or physical remains.
• They include accounts of eye witness and personal letters: Sources can include firsthand accounts from eyewitnesses, personal letters, diaries, and other written or verbal records from individuals who directly experienced or observed historical events.

Thus, (a) and (d) are true about sources.

Hint (c) They are objective - Sources can be subjective or biased based on the perspective or agenda of the creator. Not all sources are inherently objective.

(b) They are all historical in nature - This statement is not accurate. While historical sources are crucial for understanding the past, sources can pertain to various fields and disciplines, not just history.

​An open-book examination is a type of assessment where students are allowed to consult reference materials, such as textbooks, notes, or other resources, during the examination.

Key Points

• Assertion (A) states that open-book exams shift the focus away from rote learning to a more involved engagement with the textbook. This is true because open-book exams typically require students to apply critical thinking, analyze information, and solve problems, rather than memorizing facts.
• Reason (R) suggests that open-book exams reduce the burden of students as they don't need to prepare for the exam beforehand. Open-book exams do not necessarily reduce the burden of students. In fact, they often require more preparation than closed-book exams. Students need to develop strong information literacy skills to navigate their resources efficiently and effectively. Additionally, they still need to understand the concepts well enough to apply them in different situations.

Thus, Only (A) is true.

The Correct Answer is 'Democracy'.

Key Points

• A democracy relies on the active participation, vigilance, and awareness of its citizens to function effectively.
• It is a system of government where power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.
• An alert and vigilant public ensures that elected officials are held accountable, laws reflect the will of the people, and injustices or corruption are promptly addressed.

Additional Information

• Autocracy:
• This is a system of government where all power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual, such as a dictator or a monarch with absolute power.
• Public vigilance and participation are typically suppressed or heavily controlled in an autocracy, making it antithetical to the principles of an alert and vigilant public.
• Monarchy:
• While modern constitutional monarchies do allow for public participation and can coexist with democratic institutions, the term 'monarchy' traditionally refers to a form of government where a monarch (king, queen, emperor) holds significant or absolute power.
• The role of an alert and vigilant public is less central to the concept of monarchy compared to democracy.
• Oligarchy:
• This is a form of government where power effectively rests with a small number of people.
• These individuals might be distinguished by royalty, wealth, family ties, education, corporate, or military control.
• Unlike democracy, oligarchies are less dependent on public participation and vigilance, as power is not intended to be distributed among the general population.

Key Points

• Question (A) delves into the reasons for holding press conferences and Legislative Assembly debates, highlighting the fundamental differences in their goals and approaches. This necessitates comprehending the underlying concepts of information dissemination, public engagement, and legislative decision-making.
• Question (B) asks for a specific term associated with a particular political role. While knowing the term itself is factual, accurately identifying it amidst various possibilities demands an understanding of the overall framework of government, legislative bodies, and party dynamics.

Thus, (A) tests conceptual knowledge whereas (B) tests factual knowledge.

Key Points

• What skills are emphasized in the syllabus? - This question addresses the objectives of the syllabus by focusing on the skills that it aims to develop in students.
• What level of competence is demanded of the learner on each social science skill? - This question also pertains to the objectives of the syllabus, specifically regarding the expected competence or proficiency levels that learners are expected to achieve in various social science skills.

While (b) is related to the source of the syllabus, and (c) is about the level of detail in the syllabus outline, they are not directly related to understanding the objectives of social science education.

Thus, (a) and (d) is the correct answer.

Key Points

• A tree chart, also known as a hierarchical or organizational chart, is best suited for illustrating the hierarchy of historical events in a particular era.
• It allows for the visualization of relationships and connections between different events, providing a clear and organized representation of the chronological order or the cause-and-effect relationships within a historical context.
• This format is particularly useful for presenting complex historical information in a structured and easily understandable manner.

Thus, to illustrate the hierarchy of historical events in a particular era, such as wars, revolutions, or social movements,  a tree chart would be best suited.

Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) is an educational assessment system that aims to provide a holistic view of a student's progress and development.

Key Points 

• It focuses on marks-based evaluation of student's work: This statement is incorrect. Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) aims to move away from a marks-centric approach. Instead of solely relying on numerical grades, CCE emphasizes a more holistic assessment that considers various aspects of a student's performance, including both scholastic and co-scholastic domains.
• It makes evaluation an integral part of the teaching-learning process: This statement is correct. One of the primary characteristics of CCE is its integration of assessment within the teaching-learning process. Formative assessments are conducted during instruction, providing continuous feedback to both students and teachers.
• It focuses on all-round development of the child's personality: This statement is correct. CCE is designed to assess not only academic achievements (scholastic aspects) but also the overall development of a student's personality. It includes co-scholastic aspects such as life skills, attitudes, values, and participation in extracurricular activities to ensure a well-rounded evaluation.
• It includes an assessment of scholastic as well as co-scholastic aspects of the students: This statement is correct. CCE incorporates a comprehensive approach by assessing both scholastic and co-scholastic aspects. Scholastic aspects involve academic performance, while co-scholastic aspects encompass areas such as life skills, attitudes, values, sports, and other extracurricular activities.

​Thus, It focuses on marks based evaluation of student's work is not a characteristic of continuous comprehensive evaluation.