Social Studies PYQs

The correct answer is Burzahom.

Key Points

• Archaeologists have found traces of huts or houses at some sites.
• For instance, in Burzahom (in present-day Kashmir) people built pit-houses, which were dug into the ground, with steps leading into them.
• These may have provided shelter in cold weather.
• Archaeologists have also found cooking hearths both inside and outside the huts, which suggests that, depending on the weather, people could cook food either indoors or outdoors.
• The site of Burzahom has revealed multiple layers of occupation, indicating that it was inhabited over an extended period.
• The pit-houses were part of the settlement and were used for domestic purposes, such as living spaces and storage areas.
• Archaeologists have also found various artifacts like pottery, tools, and ornaments, providing valuable insights into the lifestyle and culture of the people who lived there during the Neolithic phase.

Hence, we can conclude that the correct answer is Burzahom.

The correct answer is -  Beginning of domestication : About 12,000 years ago.

Key Points

• The Mesolithic period:
• The period when we find environmental changes, beginning about 12,000 years ago till about 10,000 years ago is called the Mesolithic (middle stone).
• Stone tools found during this period are generally tiny, and are called microliths.​
• Beginning of domestication:
• ​Domestication is the name given to the process in which people grow plants and look after animals.
• Domestication was a gradual process that took place in many parts of the world.
• It began about 12,000 years ago.
• Beginning of settlement at Mehrgarh:
• ​Mehrgarh is located in a fertile plain, near the Bolan Pass, which is one of the most important routes into Iran.
• Mehrgarh was probably one of the places where people learnt to grow barley and wheat, and rear sheep and goats for the first time in this area.
• The beginning of settlement at Mehrgarh dates back to approximately 7000 BCE, which means it started around 9,000 to 9,500 years ago.
• It is one of the earliest villages that we know about.
• The beginning of Neolithic:
• ​The next stage after Mesolithic Age was Neolithic Age.
• The Neolithic Age started from about 10,000 years ago.

Based on the above discussion, we can conclude that the pair of Beginning of domestication : About 12,000 years ago is correctly matched.

The statement 'The language of the tawarikh in Arabic' is not true about the Tawarikh.

Key Points

• Although inscriptions, coins and architecture provide a lot of information, especially valuable are “histories”, tarikh (singular)/tawarikh (plural), written in Persian, the language of administration under the Delhi Sultans. Hence, statement 1 is not true.
• The authors of tawarikh were learned men: secretaries, administrators, poets and courtiers, who both recounted events and advised rulers on governance, emphasising the importance of just rule.
• The authors of tawarikh lived in cities (mainly Delhi) and hardly ever in villages. Therefore, statement 2 is true.
• They often wrote their histories for Sultans in the hope of rich rewards. Thus, statement 3 is true.
• These authors advised rulers on the need to preserve an “ideal” social order based on birthright and gender distinctions. Hence, statement 4 is true.
• Their ideas were not shared by everybody.

Hence, we can conclude that the statement 'The language of the tawarikh in Arabic' is not true about the Tawarikh.

The correct answer is Grammar and Poetics.

Key Points

• The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram was established in the ninth century in the south-western part of the peninsula, part of present-day Kerala.
• It is likely that Malayalam was spoken in this area.
• The rulers introduced the Malayalam language and script in their inscriptions.
• In fact, this is one of the earliest examples of the use of a regional language in official records in the subcontinent.
• At the same time, the Cheras also drew upon Sanskritic traditions.
• The temple theatre of Kerala, which is traced to this period, borrowed stories from the Sanskrit epics.
• The first literary works in Malayalam, dated to about the twelfth century, are directly indebted to Sanskrit.
• Interestingly enough, a fourteenth-century text, the Lilatilakam, dealing with grammar and poetics, was composed in Manipravalam – literally, “diamonds and corals” referring to the two languages, Sanskrit and the regional language.

Therefore, the correct answer is Grammar and Poetics.

The correct answer is (A) is true but (B) is false.

Key Points

• In the nineteenth century, the region that constitutes most of present-day Rajasthan, was called Rajputana by the British. Hence, statement A is true.
• While this may suggest that this was an area that was inhabited only or mainly by Rajputs, this is only partly true. Therefore, statement B is false.
• There were (and are) several groups who identify themselves as Rajputs in many areas of northern and central India.
• And of course, there are several peoples other than Rajputs who live in Rajasthan.
• However, the Rajputs are often recognised as contributing to the distinctive culture of Rajasthan.
• These cultural traditions were closely linked with the ideals and aspirations of rulers.
• From about the eighth century, most of the present-day state of Rajasthan was ruled by various Rajput families.

Hence, statement A is true and statement B is false.

The correct answer is **both Statement

(I) and (II) are true and (I) is the correct explanation of (II)**.

Key Points

• The study of the thousand years between 700 and 1750 is a huge challenge to historians largely because of the scale and variety of developments that occurred over the period.
• This was a period of economic, political, social and cultural changes.
• Through the thousand years between 700 and 1750 the character of the different regions did not grow in isolation.
• These regions felt the impact of larger pan-regional forces of integration without ever quite losing their distinctiveness.
• The thousand years of history that we are exploring witnessed major developments in religious traditions.
• People’s belief in the divine was sometimes deeply personal, but more usually it was collective.
• Collective belief in a supernatural agency – religion – was often closely connected with the social and economic organisation of local communities. Hence, statement I is true.
• As the social worlds of these groups altered so too did their beliefs.
• It was during this period that important changes occurred in what we call Hinduism today. Thus, statement II is also true.
• These included the worship of new deities, the construction of temples by royalty and the growing importance of Brahmanas, the priests, as dominant groups in society.
• Their knowledge of Sanskrit texts earned the Brahmanas a lot of respect in society. Their dominant position was consolidated by the support of their patrons – new rulers searching for prestige.

Based on the above discussion, we can conclude that  both Statement

(I) and (II) are true and (I) is the correct explanation of (II).

The correct answer is both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Key Points

• Till the end of the eighteenth century, Indian textiles continued to dominate world trade.
• European trading companies like English East India company made enormous profits out of this flourishing trade. Hence, statement A is correct.
• These companies purchased cotton and silk textiles in India by importing silver.
• But, when the English East India Company gained political power in Bengal, it no longer had to import precious metal to buy Indian goods.
• Instead, they collected revenues from peasants and zamindars in India, and used this revenue to buy Indian textiles. Therefore, statement R is correct.
• Statement R is the correct explanation of statement A as the English East India Company's collection of revenues from various sources, including peasants and zamindars, specifically for purchasing Indian textiles, directly contributed to their enormous profits from Indian trade.
• This revenue collection allowed the company to acquire the goods it needed for trade and generate significant financial gains.

Therefore, the correct answer is  both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

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

Key Points

• The East India Company introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793.
• Cornwallis was the Governor-General of India when the Permanent Settlement was introduced.
• By the terms of the settlement, the rajas and taluqdars were recognised as zamindars. Hence, statement A is true.
• They were asked to collect rent from the peasants and pay revenue to the Company. Thus, statement B is true.
• The amount to be paid was fixed permanently, that is, it was not to be increased ever in future. Therefore, statement C is true.
• It was felt that this would ensure a regular flow of revenue into the Company’s coffers and at the same time encourage the zamindars to invest in improving the land.
• Since the revenue demand of the state would not be increased, the zamindar would benefit from increased production from the land.
• The Permanent Settlement, however, created problems.
• Company officials soon discovered that the zamindars were in fact not investing in the improvement of land. Hence, statement D is false.
• The revenue that had been fixed was so high that the zamindars found it difficult to pay.
• Anyone who failed to pay the revenue lost his zamindari.
• Numerous zamindaris were sold off at auctions organised by the Company.

Based on the above discussion, we can conclude that the correct answer is (A), (B) and (C).

The correct answer is Rass Sundari Devi.

Key Points

• Rassundari Devi is the author of the book titled "Amar Jiban," which is widely recognized as the first known autobiography written by an Indian woman.
• Rassundari Devi was born in the early 19^th century in a small village in Bengal, India.
• In her autobiography, she provides a personal account of her life experiences, starting from her childhood to her married life and beyond.
• Rassundari Devi's narrative reflects the societal constraints and expectations imposed on women during her time.
• She describes her longing for education and the obstacles she faced in pursuing it, as well as the restrictions of purdah (veiling and seclusion) that limited her interactions with the outside world.
• Despite these challenges, Rassundari Devi's autobiography highlights her determination to learn to read and write.
• Her book offers valuable insights into the social and cultural conditions prevalent in 19^th-century Bengal.
• It provides a glimpse into caste dynamics, family life, and the impact of British colonial rule on local communities.
• Through her writing, Rassundari Devi gives voice to the often marginalized experiences of women during that era.
• The publication of "Amar Jiban" in 1876 marked a significant milestone in Indian literature, as it was the first autobiography by an Indian woman to be documented and published.

Therefore, the correct answer is Rass Sundari Devi.

The correct answer is Matua Sect.

Key Points

• Haridas Thakur, also known as Harichand Thakur, was the leader of the Matua Sect.
• The Matua community is a religious sect primarily found in the Indian state of West Bengal and parts of Bangladesh.
• Haridas Thakur founded this sect in the late 19^th century as a socio-religious movement focused on the upliftment of marginalized and lower-caste communities.
• The Matua Sect emerged as a response to the prevalent caste-based discrimination and social inequalities that existed during that time.
• Haridas Thakur preached a message of social reform, equality, and devotion to God.
• He emphasized the significance of spiritual practices, including the chanting of God's name (Naam Japa), and sought to bring about positive change in the lives of the oppressed.
• The teachings of Haridas Thakur and the principles of the Matua Sect revolve around inclusivity, social harmony, and compassion.
• The movement aimed to empower the lower castes, offer them dignity, and provide them with a sense of belonging and identity.
• Matua followers place great importance on community welfare and social service.

​Hence, we can conclude that Haridas Thakur was the leader of Matua Sect.

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

Key Points

• From the early nineteenth century, we find debates and discussions about social customs and practices taking on a new character.
• One important reason for this was the development of new forms of communication.
• For the first time, books, newspapers, magazines, leaflets and pamphlets were printed.
• These were far cheaper and far more accessible than the manuscripts.
• Therefore ordinary people could read these, and many of them could also write and express their ideas in their own languages.
• All kinds of issues – social, political, economic and religious – could now be debated and discussed by men (and sometimes by women as well) in the new cities.
• The discussions could reach out to a wider public, and could become linked to movements for social change.
• These debates were often initiated by Indian reformers and reform groups.
• One such reformer was Raja Rammohun Roy (1772-1833).
• He founded a reform association known as the Brahmo Sabha (later known as the Brahmo Samaj) in Calcutta.
• People such as Rammohun Roy are described as reformers because they felt that changes were necessary in society, and unjust practices needed to be done away with.
• They thought that the best way to ensure such changes was by persuading people to give up old practices and adopt a new way of life.

Hence, we can conclude that both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

The correct answer is (B) and (C) are true but (A) is false.

Key Points

• In 1817, James Mill, a Scottish economist and political philosopher, published a massive three-volume work, A History of British India.
• In this he divided Indian history into three periods – Hindu, Muslim and British. This periodisation came to be widely accepted. Hence, statement A is false.
• Mill thought that all Asian societies were at a lower level of civilisation than Europe.
• According to his telling of history, before the British came to India, Hindu and Muslim despots ruled the country.
• Religious intolerance, caste taboos and superstitious practices dominated social life.
• British rule, Mill felt, could civilise India. Thus, statement C is true.
• To do this it was necessary to introduce European manners, arts, institutions and laws in India.
• Mill, in fact, suggested that the British should conquer all the territories in India to ensure the enlightenment and happiness of the Indian people.
• For India was not capable of progress without British help.
• In this idea of history, British rule represented all the forces of progress and civilisation.
• The period before British rule was one of darkness. Therefore, statement B is true.

Hence, the correct answer is (B) and (C) are true but (A) is false.

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

Key Points

• Raja Ravi Varma was one of the first artists who tried to create a style that was both modern and national.
• Ravi Varma belonged to the family of the Maharajas of Travancore in Kerala, and was addressed as Raja.
• He mastered the Western art of oil painting and realistic life study, but painted themes from Indian mythology.
• He dramatised on canvas, scene after scene from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, drawing on the theatrical performances of mythological stories that he witnessed during his tour of the Bombay Presidency.
• From the 1880s, Ravi Varma’s mythological paintings became the rage among Indian princes and art collectors, who filled their palace galleries with his works.
• Responding to the huge popular appeal of such paintings, Ravi Varma decided to set up a picture production team and printing press on the outskirts of Bombay.
• Here colour prints of his religious paintings were mass produced.
• Even the poor could now buy these cheap prints.
• In Bengal, a new group of nationalist artists gathered around Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951), the nephew of Rabindranath Tagore.
• They rejected the art of Ravi Varma as imitative and westernised, and declared that such a style was unsuitable for depicting the nation’s ancient myths and legends. Hence, statement A is false.
• They felt that a genuine Indian style of painting had to draw inspiration from non-Western art traditions, and try to capture the spiritual essence of the East. Thus, statement B is false.
• So they broke away from the convention of oil painting and the realistic style, and turned for inspiration to medieval Indian traditions of miniature painting and the ancient art of mural painting in the Ajanta caves.
• They were also influenced by the art of Japanese artists who visited India at that time to develop an Asian art movement.

Hence, the correct answer is both (A) and (B) are false.

The correct option is (4) Economic development.

Important Points

The Planning Commission of India was established to plan policies and strategies for economic development in the country. It was a government agency that operated from 1950 to 2017 and played a crucial role in formulating and implementing India's Five-Year Plans.

• The Planning Commission was responsible for assessing the resources available in the country and formulating plans to promote economic growth, improve infrastructure, alleviate poverty, and address social and economic inequalities.
• It focused on various sectors such as agriculture, industry, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development to drive economic progress and social welfare.
• While aspects like social development gender equality , and political resolution were certainly important considerations within the planning process, the primary objective of the Planning Commission was to plan policies and strategies for economic development in India.

Therefore, the correct option is (4) Economic development.

The correct answer is 

Important Points

To determine the time in London, United Kingdom, based on the given time in India, we need to consider the time difference between India Standard Time (IST) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST), depending on the time of year.

India Standard Time (IST) is UTC+5:30, and London, located near Greenwich, follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST), which is UTC+0 or UTC+1 (during daylight saving time).

Given that the time in India is 7 am, let's calculate the corresponding time in London:

Time in India: 7 am (IST)

Time difference between India and London: IST is UTC+5:30, and London is UTC+0 or UTC+1

Calculating the corresponding time in London:

7 am (IST) - 5 hours and 30 minutes (time difference) = 1:30 am (GMT)

So, the correct option is (3) 1 ∶ 30 am. If it is 7 am in India, the time in London, located near Greenwich, would be 1:30 am in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

The correct option is (3) Only (A) and (B) are correct.

Important Points

(A) Many popular hill stations are situated in the Middle Himalaya.

• This statement is correct.
• The Middle Himalaya region of India is known for its scenic beauty and is home to several popular hill stations such as Shimla, Nainital, and Mussoorie.

(B) Northern plains are highly populated areas because river plains have fertile land for cultivation.

• This statement is also correct.
• The Northern plains of India, also known as the Indo-Gangetic plains, are characterized by the fertile alluvial soil deposited by rivers such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna.
• The availability of fertile land and the presence of abundant water resources make this region highly suitable for agriculture.
• As a result, it has attracted a dense population due to agricultural activities.

Additional Information

(C) Western Ghats are rich in minerals and are highly populated.

• This statement is incorrect.
• While the Western Ghats of India are indeed rich in biodiversity and are recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, they are not primarily known for mineral resources.
• The Western Ghats are a mountain range parallel to the western coast of India, and they are home to several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and ecologically significant areas.
• However, the population density in the Western Ghats region is relatively lower compared to the Northern plains and other densely populated areas of India.

Therefore, the correct option is (3) Only (A) and (B) are correct.

The correct answer is  7 ∶ 30 p.m. on 21^st October 2022.

Important Points

Ms. Seema, who is located in India, needs to consider the time difference between India and London to connect to the online seminar. India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30. On the other hand, London follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST).

The seminar is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in London. India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30. London follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST), depending on the time of the year.

To find the corresponding time in India, we subtract the time difference between London and India from the scheduled time in London.

Scheduled time in London: 2:00 p.m.

Time difference between London and India: 5 hours and 30 minutes (IST is UTC+5:30)

Calculating the corresponding time in India:

2:00 p.m. (London time) + 5 hours and 30 minutes (time difference) = 7:30 p.m.

So, Ms. Seema should connect to attend the online seminar at 7:30 p.m. in India to coincide with the scheduled time of 2:00 p.m. in London.

Therefore, the correct calculation is:

Ms. Seema should connect to attend the online seminar in London at 7:30 a.m. on 21^st October 2022 while being in India.

The correct answer is (A), (B) and (E)

Important Points

Among the listed features of soil, color (A), (B) Texture, and permeability (E) are determined by the parent rock. Here's an explanation for each:

(A) Color:

• The color of soil can be influenced by the minerals present in the parent rock.
• Different minerals give rise to different colors, such as reddish-brown, yellowish-brown, gray, or black. For example, iron-rich minerals can give soils a reddish color.

(B) Texture:

• Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil.
• The texture of soil is influenced by by the parent rock.

(E) Permeability:

• Permeability refers to the ability of soil to allow water and air to pass through it.
• The permeability of soil is influenced by the size and arrangement of soil particles, which, in turn, can be influenced by the parent rock.
• For example, soil derived from rocks with larger particles, such as gravel or sand, tends to have higher permeability.

Additional Information

Features such as texture (B) and amount of humus (D) are not solely determined by the parent rock:

(C) Thickness

• Time determines the thickness of the soil profile.

(D) Amount of humus:

• Humus is the organic component of soil that is derived from the decomposition of plant and animal matter.
• The amount of humus in the soil is primarily influenced by factors such as organic inputs, climate, and biological activity, rather than the parent rock.

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

The correct answer is  Narmada.

Important Points

Among the options provided, the Narmada river is the west flowing river that drains into the Arabian Sea.

• The Narmada river is one of the major rivers in India and flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
• It originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward, eventually draining into the Arabian Sea.

Additional InformationThe Narmada River is a west flowing river in India that drains into the Arabian Sea.

• It originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh, near the border with Chhattisgarh.
• From there, it flows in a generally westward direction, traversing through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
• The Narmada River is known for its scenic beauty and plays a significant role in the economy and culture of the regions it passes through
• . It is one of the longest rivers in India, with a length of approximately 1,312 kilometers (815 miles).
• As the Narmada River flows westward, it eventually reaches the Gulf of Khambhat, which is part of the Arabian Sea.
• The river forms an estuary near Bharuch in Gujarat, where it meets the sea.
• The estuary is an ecologically important area that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
• The Narmada River and its basin have considerable importance for irrigation, hydropower generation, and drinking water supply.
• Several dams and reservoirs have been built along the river, including the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which is one of the largest dams in India.

In summary, the Narmada River is the west flowing river among the options provided, and it drains into the Arabian Sea. It originates in Madhya Pradesh and flows through Maharashtra and Gujarat before reaching its estuary near Bharuch.