Social Studies PYQs

The correct answer is both (A) and (B) are true and (B) explains (A).

Key Points

• The argument for practical education was strongly criticised by the Christian missionaries in India in the nineteenth century.
• The missionaries felt that education should attempt to improve the moral character of the people, and morality could be improved only through Christian education.
• Until 1813, the East India Company was opposed to missionary activities in India. Hence, statement A is true.
• It feared that missionary activities would provoke reaction amongst the local population and make them suspicious of British presence in India. Therefore, statement B is true.
• Unable to establish an institution within British-controlled territories, the missionaries set up a mission at Serampore in an area under the control of the Danish East India Company.
• A printing press was set up in 1800 and a college established in 1818.
• Over the nineteenth century, missionary schools were set up all over India.
• After 1857, however, the British government in India was reluctant to directly support missionary education.
• There was a feeling that any strong attack on local customs, practices, beliefs and religious ideas might enrage “native” opinion.

Thus, wecan conclude that both (A) and (B) are true and (B) explains (A).

'Paramhans Mandali' was founded in 1849 in Bombay for abolition of caste.

Key Points

• Paramhans Mandali was a socio-religious group founded in Bombay in 1849 by Durgaram Mehtaji, Dadoba Pandurang, and a group of their friends.
• The Paramahansa Mandali was founded to promote social reform in Maharashtra, particularly in the areas of abolition of caste, widow remarriage, and women's education.
• The members of the Paramahansa Mandali believed in one God and rejected the caste system.
• The Paramahansa Mandali was active for about a decade, and it played an important role in the social reform movement in Maharashtra.
• The Mandali's activities helped to raise awareness of the need for social reform, and its members made significant contributions to the cause of social justice.

Thus, we can conclude that the 'Paramhans Mandali' was founded in 1849 in Bombay for abolition of caste.

The correct answer is Periyar.

Key Points

• E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, or Periyar, as he was called, came from a middle-class family.
• Interestingly, he had been an ascetic in his early life and had studied Sanskrit scriptures carefully.
• Later, he became a member of the Congress, only to leave it in disgust when he found that at a feast organised by nationalists, seating arrangements followed caste distinctions – that is, the lower castes were made to sit at a distance from the upper castes.
• Convinced that untouchables had to fight for their dignity, Periyar founded the Self Respect Movement.
• He argued that untouchables were the true upholders of an original Tamil and Dravidian culture which had been subjugated by Brahmans.
• He felt that all religious authorities saw social divisions and inequality as God-given.
• Untouchables had to free themselves, therefore, from all religions in order to achieve social equality.
• Periyar was an outspoken critic of Hindu scriptures, especially the Codes of Manu, the ancient lawgiver, and the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana.
• He said that these texts had been used to establish the authority of Brahmans over lower castes and the domination of men over women.

Thus, the correct answer is Periyar.

The correct answer is both (A) and (B) are true and (B) explains (A).

Key Points

• Ambedkar was born into a Mahar family.
• As a child he experienced what caste prejudice meant in everyday life.
• In school he was forced to sit outside the classroom on the ground, and was not allowed to drink water from taps that upper -caste children used.
• After finishing school, he got a fellowship to go to the US for higher studies.
• On his return to India in 1919, he wrote extensively about “upper”-caste power in contemporary society.
• In 1927, Ambedkar started a temple entry movement, in which his Mahar caste followers participated.
• Brahman priests were outraged when the Dalits used water from the temple tank.
• Ambedkar led three such movements for temple entry between 1927 and 1935. Hence, statement A is true.
• His aim was to make everyone see the power of caste prejudices within society. Therefore, statement B is true.

Thus, we can conclude that both (A) and (B) are true and (B) explains (A).

Gandhiji called off the Non-Cooperation Movement abruptly because it became violent.

Key Points

• The Non-Cooperation Movement gained momentum through 1921-22.
• Thousands of students left government-controlled schools and colleges.
• Many lawyers such as Motilal Nehru, C.R. Das, C. Rajagopalachari and Asaf Ali gave up their practices.
• British titles were surrendered and legislatures boycotted. People lit public bonfires of foreign cloth.
• The imports of foreign cloth fell drastically between 1920 and 1922.
• Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, was against violent movements.
• He abruptly called off the Non-Cooperation Movement when in February 1922 a crowd of peasants set fire to a police station in Chauri Chaura.
• Twenty-two policemen were killed on that day.
• The peasants were provoked because the police had fired on their peaceful demonstration.

Hence, we can conclude that Gandhiji called off the Non-Cooperation Movement abruptly because it became violent.

The correct answer is (C), (D), (A), (B).

Key Points

• Rowalatt Satyagrah:
• In 1919 Gandhiji gave a call for a satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act that the British had just passed.
• Gandhiji asked the Indian people to observe 6 April 1919 as a day of non-violent opposition to this Act, as a day of “humiliation and prayer” and hartal (strike).
• Satyagraha Sabhas were set up to launch the movement.
• Khilafat agitation:
• In 1920 the British imposed a harsh treaty on the Turkish Sultan or Khalifa.
• People were furious about this as they had been about the Jallianwala massacre.
• Also, Indian Muslims were keen that the Khalifa be allowed to retain control over Muslim sacred places in the erstwhile Ottoman Empire.
• The leaders of the Khilafat agitation, Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, now wished to initiate a full-fledged Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Gandhiji supported their call and urged the Congress to campaign against “Punjab wrongs” (Jallianwala massacre), the Khilafat wrong and demand swaraj.
• Dandi March:
• The Dandi March, also known as the Salt March, was a nonviolent protest led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 against British salt monopoly in India.
• Gandhi and his followers marched over 240 miles to the Arabian Sea, where they collected salt, defying British laws.
• It became a significant symbol of civil disobedience during India's struggle for independence.
• ​Quit India Movement:
• The Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942, aimed to demand complete independence from British colonial rule in India.
• It involved mass protests, strikes, and civil disobedience across the country.
• Despite facing severe repression from the British government, the movement played a pivotal role in galvanizing support and accelerating India's path to independence in 1947.

Based on the above discussion, we can conclude that the correct chronological order of the given events is:

(C) Rowalatt Satyagrah

(D) Khilafat agitation

(A) Dandi March

(B) Quit India Movement

The correct answer is 1950.

Key Points

• Lifting India and Indians out of poverty, and building a modern technical and industrial base were among the major objectives of the new nation.
• In 1950, the government set up a Planning Commission to help design and execute suitable policies for economic development.
• There was a broad agreement on what was called a “mixed economy” model.
• Here, both the State and the private sector would play important and complementary roles in increasing production and generating jobs.
• What, specifically, these roles were to be – which industries should be initiated by the state and which by the market, how to achieve a balance between the different regions and states – was to be defined by the Planning Commission.
• In 1956, the Second Five Year Plan was formulated.
• This focused strongly on the development of heavy industries such as steel, and on the building of large dams.

Therefore, we can conclude that the Planning Commission of India was set up in 1950.

The term Unity in Diversity was coined by Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Key Points

• The term "unity in diversity" was coined by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.
• He used the phrase in his book "The Discovery of India" to describe the unique cultural and religious diversity of India.
• The phrase has since become a popular way to describe India's rich and varied heritage.
• The phrase "unity in diversity" is also used in other contexts to describe societies that are made up of many different groups of people with different cultures, religions, and beliefs.
• It is a reminder that even though these groups may be different, they can still come together as one nation or community.

​So the correct answer is Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Stereotype are beliefs when we fix people into one image.

Key Points

• A stereotype is a fixed, over-generalized belief about a particular group of people.
• It is an expectation that people might have about every person of a particular group.
• The type of expectation can vary; it can be, for example, an expectation about the group's personality, preferences, appearance or ability.
• Stereotypes are sometimes overgeneralized, inaccurate, and resistant to new information, but can sometimes be accurate.
• For example, the stereotype that all Asian people are good at math is a stereotype.
• It is an overgeneralization, because not all Asian people are good at math.
• In fact, there are many Asian people who are not good at math.
• The stereotype is also inaccurate, because there are many people of other races who are also good at math.
• And the stereotype is resistant to new information, because even when people are presented with evidence that contradicts the stereotype, they often continue to believe it.
• Stereotypes can be harmful because they can lead to prejudice and discrimination.
• When we stereotype people, we make assumptions about them based on their group membership, rather than on their individual characteristics.
• This can lead to us treating them unfairly or differently.
• For example, if we stereotype Asian people as being good at math, we might be more likely to hire an Asian person for a job that requires math skills, even if there are other equally qualified candidates who are not Asian.
• It is important to be aware of our own stereotypes and to challenge them whenever possible.
• We should not make assumptions about people based on their group membership.
• Instead, we should get to know people as individuals and judge them based on their own merits.

Therefore the correct answer is Stereotype.

Measuring land and keeping land records is the function of a Lekhpal in rural administrative structure.

Key Points

• A Lekhpal is a village-level revenue official in India who is responsible for maintaining land records and conducting surveys.
• They are also responsible for collecting taxes and other revenue for the government.
• The term "Lekhpal" is derived from the Sanskrit words "lekh" (to write) and "pal" (to protect).
• This reflects the Lekhpal's role in maintaining and protecting the land records of a village.
• The main functions of a Lekhpal include:
• ​Measuring and demarcating land plots
• Maintaining land records, such as the khatauni (village land records) and the jamabandi (land revenue records)
• Collecting taxes and other revenue for the government
• Conducting surveys of land and crops
• Issuing certificates of ownership and other land-related documents
• Providing assistance to villagers with land-related matters
• Lekhpals play an important role in the rural administrative structure of India.
• They are responsible for ensuring that the land records of a village are accurate and up-to-date.
• This is essential for ensuring that land is properly taxed and that villagers have clear title to their land.
• Lekhpals also play a role in resolving land disputes.
• They can help villagers to understand their land rights and to negotiate with each other to resolve disputes.
• In some cases, Lekhpals may also be able to mediate between villagers and the government.
• The work of a Lekhpal is challenging but rewarding.
• It requires a good understanding of land law and procedures, as well as the ability to interact effectively with villagers.
• Lekhpals who are able to do their job well can make a significant contribution to the development of their village.

​Thus the correct answer is Measuring land and keeping land records.

In the Panchayati Raj system, the work of the Gram panchayat is approved by Gram Sabha.

Key Points

• The Gram Sabha is the highest decision-making body in the Panchayati Raj system.
• It is a body consisting of all the people registered in the electoral rolls who belong to a village comprised within the area of the Panchayat at the village level.
• The Gram Sabha is responsible for approving the work of the Gram Panchayat, including its budget, plans, and projects.
• It also has the power to recall elected representatives of the Gram Panchayat.
• The Gram Sabha is a very important institution in the Panchayati Raj system.
• It provides a platform for the people to participate in local governance and to ensure that their needs and concerns are met.
• The effective functioning of the Gram Sabha is essential for the success of the Panchayati Raj system.
• Here are some of the functions of the Gram Sabha:
• ​Approving the annual budget of the Gram Panchayat
• Approving the development plans of the village
• Recalling elected representatives of the Gram Panchayat
• Discussing and deliberating on matters of local importance
• Ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Gram Panchayat
• The Gram Sabha is a powerful institution, and its decisions are binding on the Gram Panchayat.
• It is therefore important for the people to participate actively in the Gram Sabha and to make their voices heard.
• By doing so, they can ensure that their village is well-governed and that their needs and concerns are met.

Therefore the correct answer is Gram Sabha.

The correct answer is (A) only.

Key Points

• The monsoon season is the breeding season for many fish species.
• If fishermen were to fish during this time, it would deplete the fish population and make it difficult for them to reproduce.
• This would have a negative impact on the fishing industry in the long term.
• Option (B) is incorrect because big trawlers can fish in any season.
• Option (C) is incorrect because the safety of the boats is a concern during all seasons, not just the monsoon season.
• Here are some additional reasons why fishermen do not engage in fishing during monsoon:
• ​The monsoon season is characterized by heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas. This makes it dangerous for fishermen to venture out on the water.
• The monsoon season also brings with it a lot of fog and mist. This can make it difficult for fishermen to see their surroundings, which increases the risk of accidents.
• The monsoon season is a time when many fish species migrate to different areas. This makes it difficult for fishermen to find the fish they are looking for.

In conclusion, the main reason why fishermen do not engage in fishing during monsoon is to ensure that the fish population is not depleted.

The correct answer is they have periods of no available work during a year.

Key Points

• The most probable reason why many rural families have to borrow money is because they have periods of no available work during a year.
• This is because many rural families rely on agriculture for their livelihood, and the agricultural cycle is seasonal.
• There are times of the year when there is no work in the fields, and during these times, families may not have enough income to meet their basic needs.
• Other reasons why rural families may need to borrow money include:
• To cover the cost of unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or repairs to their home.
• To invest in their farm or business, in order to improve their productivity or income.
• To pay off debts, such as loans from moneylenders or informal lenders.
• Borrowing money can be a risky proposition, especially for rural families who may not have access to formal financial institutions.
• However, for many families, it is the only way to meet their basic needs and ensure their survival.
• Here are some additional factors that may contribute to the need for rural families to borrow money:
• ​Low agricultural productivity.
• Inadequate access to markets.
• Lack of access to financial services.
• Natural disasters.
• Economic shocks.
• These factors can make it difficult for rural families to generate enough income to meet their needs, and can lead to a cycle of debt.
• It is important to address these underlying factors in order to reduce the need for rural families to borrow money.

An area from where voters choose their MLA is called Constituency.

Key Points

• A constituency is an area from which voters choose their representative in a legislature.
• In India, the term "MLA" refers to a Member of the Legislative Assembly, who is the elected representative of a constituency in a state legislature.
• The number of MLAs in a state legislature varies depending on the population of the state.
• For example, the state of Uttar Pradesh has the most MLAs, with 403, while the state of Sikkim has the fewest, with 32.
• The boundaries of constituencies are redrawn every few years to ensure that each constituency has a roughly equal number of voters.
• This is done to ensure that all voters have an equal say in the election of their representative.

Therefore the correct answer is Constituency.

The correct answer is both (I) and (II) are correct.

Key Points

• **Statement

(I) is correct** because the media has the power to decide what is important and what is not.

• They can choose to focus on certain issues and ignore others.
• This is known as agenda-setting.
• **Statement

(II) is also correct** because there are times when state agencies try to interfere with what the media is publishing.

• This can happen in authoritarian countries where the government wants to control the flow of information.
• It can also happen in democratic countries where the government is trying to protect national security.
• The media plays an important role in society by informing the public about important issues.
• However, their ability to do this is sometimes limited by the interference of state agencies.
• Here are some examples of how the media can set the agenda:
• ​The media can focus on certain issues and make them seem more important than they really are. For example, the media might focus on a series of violent crimes, even if they are not actually happening more often than in the past. This can make people think that crime is a bigger problem than it really is.
• The media can ignore certain issues, even if they are important. For example, the media might not report on a series of environmental disasters, even if they are causing a lot of damage. This can make people think that these issues are not important.
• The media's role in setting the agenda is not always negative.
• In some cases, the media can help to raise awareness of important issues and make people more likely to take action.
• However, it is important to be aware of the media's power and to be critical of the information that they provide.

Right to livelihood has been established as a part of Right to life by the Supreme Court.

Key Points

• The Supreme Court of India has held that the right to livelihood is an integral part of the right to life, which is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• This means that the government cannot deprive a person of their livelihood without a valid reason.
• The right to livelihood was first recognized as an inherent part of the right to life in the case of Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985).
• In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that the government could not evict pavement dwellers without providing them with alternative accommodation, as this would deprive them of their livelihood.
• The right to livelihood has been further affirmed in a number of other cases, including:
• ​In People's Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India (1982), the Supreme Court held that the right to livelihood includes the right to work, the right to education, and the right to health.
• In Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (2000), the Supreme Court held that the right to livelihood is a fundamental right that must be protected by the government.
• In Right to Food Campaign v. Union of India (2001), the Supreme Court held that the government has a duty to provide food to all its citizens, as this is essential for their right to livelihood.
• The right to livelihood is an important right that ensures that all people have the opportunity to earn a living and support themselves and their families.
• It is a right that is essential for human dignity and well-being.

Therefore the correct answer is Right to life.

The correct code is (A), (B) and (C).

Key Points

• The separation of religion from state leads to the following:
• Preventing tyranny of majority: 
• When the state is not influenced by religion, it is less likely to be controlled by the majority religious group.
• This helps to prevent the majority from discriminating against or oppressing the minority religious groups.
• Preventing violation of Fundamental Rights: 
• The separation of religion from state helps to ensure that the government does not interfere with the fundamental rights of citizens, such as the right to freedom of religion, the right to equality, and the right to freedom of expression.
• Democratic functioning of the state: 
• The separation of religion from state helps to ensure that the state is democratic and that all citizens have an equal say in how the country is run.
• This is because the state is not influenced by any particular religious group and is therefore more likely to be impartial.
• Prevention of occurrence of communal riots: 
• Communal riots are often caused by religious tensions.
• When the state is not influenced by religion, it is less likely to take sides in religious disputes and therefore less likely to trigger communal riots.
• Option (D), prevention of occurrence of communal riots, is a possible outcome of the separation of religion from state, but it is not guaranteed.
• There are other factors that can also contribute to the prevention of communal riots, such as good governance, education, and economic development.

So the correct answer is (A), (B) and (C).

The correct answer is (A), B and (C).

Key Points

• The police, the public prosecutor, and the judge are all key players in the criminal justice system.
• The police are responsible for investigating crimes and gathering evidence.
• The public prosecutor is responsible for representing the state in court and arguing for the conviction of the accused.
• The judge is responsible for presiding over the trial and deciding whether the accused is guilty or innocent.
• Other key players in the criminal justice system include:
• Defense lawyers:
• Defense lawyers represent the accused in court and argue for their acquittal.
• Jurors:
• Jurors are responsible for deciding the guilt or innocence of the accused in a jury trial.
• Court clerks:
• Court clerks are responsible for keeping track of court records and scheduling court dates.
• Probation officers:
• Probation officers supervise convicted offenders who are not sentenced to prison.
• Correctional officers:
• Correctional officers work in prisons and jails to maintain order and ensure the safety of inmates.
• The criminal justice system is a complex system that involves many different players.
• Each player has a specific role to play in ensuring that justice is served.

​Therefore the correct answer is (A), B and (C).

Safai Karmachari Andolan has filled a petition in the Supreme Court against the practice of manual scavanging.

Key Points

• Safai Karmachari Andolan (SKA), a non-profit organization working to eradicate manual scavenging in India, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the continued practice of manual scavenging.
• The petition, which was filed on July 19, 2023, alleges that the government has failed to implement the Supreme Court's 2014 judgment in Safai Karmachari Andolan v Union of India, which outlawed manual scavenging and directed the government to take steps to rehabilitate manual scavengers.
• The petition cites a number of recent cases of manual scavenging deaths, including the death of a 14-year-old girl in Delhi in May 2023.
• The petition also alleges that the government has not provided adequate compensation to the families of manual scavengers who have died while working.
• SKA is demanding that the Supreme Court direct the government to take immediate steps to eradicate manual scavenging and to provide adequate compensation to the families of manual scavengers who have died while working.
• The petition is a reminder of the ongoing problem of manual scavenging in India.
• Despite the Supreme Court's 2014 judgment, manual scavenging continues to be a reality for many people in India.
• The government must take urgent action to end this practice and to ensure that the families of manual scavengers who have died are compensated.
• Here are some of the key demands of the petition:
• ​The government must immediately end the practice of manual scavenging.
• The government must provide adequate compensation to the families of manual scavengers who have died while working.
• The government must rehabilitate manual scavengers and provide them with alternative means of livelihood.
• The government must ensure that all dry latrines are replaced with pour-flush toilets.
• The government must create awareness about the dangers of manual scavenging and the need to end this practice.
• The petition is a significant step in the fight to end manual scavenging in India.
• It is a reminder that the government must take action to ensure that this practice is finally eradicated.

​So the correct answer is Safai Karmachari Andolan.

The correct answer is only (C).

Key Points

• Laws that protect the interests of consumers are those that ensure that the products and services they purchase are safe, of good quality, and accurately represented.
• Law ensuring that factories do not pollute air or water and law against child labour in workplaces are not directly related to the safety and quality of products and services that consumers purchase.
• Therefore, only law ensuring electrical appliances meet safety standards protects the interests of consumers.
• Here are some other examples of laws that protect the interests of consumers:
• ​The Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) in the United States, which regulates the safety of consumer products.
• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the United States, which gives consumers the right to access their credit reports and correct any inaccuracies.
• The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) in the United States, which requires lenders to disclose accurate information about the terms of loans.
• The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which gives consumers control over their personal data.
• These laws help to ensure that consumers are protected from unsafe products, misleading advertising, and unfair business practices.

​Thus the correct answer is only (C).