Class 12 Sociology Question Paper Solved (2020) | Sociology for Class 12 - Grade 12 PDF Download

 Page 1


    
Date:                                                         Class: XII 
    Sociology (039)       
Time: 3 hrs.                                  M. M: 80  
General Instructions: 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
Question no 25 is to be answered with the help of the given passage.  
 
1 Interpret dependency ratio in your own words.  2 
2 In modern days it is in the cultural and domestic spheres that caste has proved strongest. 
Explain with example.  
2 
3 How did hundis facilitate trading in pre-colonial era?  2 
4 In what ways were the Blacks discriminated in South Africa under the policy of Apartheid? 2 
5 What do you understand by a ‘state-nation’? 2 
6 Name four cities which have witnessed negative decadal growth rate from 2001 to 2011.  2 
7 What is the vital difference between the empire building of pre-capitalist times and that of 
capitalist times? 
2 
8 Explain the emergence of Kolkata as a colonial city.  2 
9 Explain secularization of caste. 2 
10 Commercialisation of agriculture is indicative of capitalist agriculture according to some 
scholars. Explain.  
2 
11 Since April 1, 2001, all types of quantitative restrictions (QR) on imports were withdrawn. 
Discuss any two impacts of the same.  
2 
12 Give two reasons for the amazing growth in Indian language newspapers.  2 
13 Illustrate how the central feature of globalization is the increasing extension and integration 
of markets around the world. 
2 
14 Discuss how the nature of tribal markets changed during the colonial time.  2 
15 What is the advantage of studying child sex ratio along with the sex ratio of India? Why do 
the state-level child sex ratios offer great cause for worry? 
OR 
Unless a way forward is found, we may miss out on the potential benefits that the country’s 
changing age structure temporarily offers. Discuss. 
4 
16 What are the factors behind the assertion of tribal identities today? 4 
17 Untouchability is an extreme and particularly vicious aspect of the caste system. Discuss the 
problems associated and solutions for the same.  
4 
Page 2


    
Date:                                                         Class: XII 
    Sociology (039)       
Time: 3 hrs.                                  M. M: 80  
General Instructions: 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
Question no 25 is to be answered with the help of the given passage.  
 
1 Interpret dependency ratio in your own words.  2 
2 In modern days it is in the cultural and domestic spheres that caste has proved strongest. 
Explain with example.  
2 
3 How did hundis facilitate trading in pre-colonial era?  2 
4 In what ways were the Blacks discriminated in South Africa under the policy of Apartheid? 2 
5 What do you understand by a ‘state-nation’? 2 
6 Name four cities which have witnessed negative decadal growth rate from 2001 to 2011.  2 
7 What is the vital difference between the empire building of pre-capitalist times and that of 
capitalist times? 
2 
8 Explain the emergence of Kolkata as a colonial city.  2 
9 Explain secularization of caste. 2 
10 Commercialisation of agriculture is indicative of capitalist agriculture according to some 
scholars. Explain.  
2 
11 Since April 1, 2001, all types of quantitative restrictions (QR) on imports were withdrawn. 
Discuss any two impacts of the same.  
2 
12 Give two reasons for the amazing growth in Indian language newspapers.  2 
13 Illustrate how the central feature of globalization is the increasing extension and integration 
of markets around the world. 
2 
14 Discuss how the nature of tribal markets changed during the colonial time.  2 
15 What is the advantage of studying child sex ratio along with the sex ratio of India? Why do 
the state-level child sex ratios offer great cause for worry? 
OR 
Unless a way forward is found, we may miss out on the potential benefits that the country’s 
changing age structure temporarily offers. Discuss. 
4 
16 What are the factors behind the assertion of tribal identities today? 4 
17 Untouchability is an extreme and particularly vicious aspect of the caste system. Discuss the 
problems associated and solutions for the same.  
4 
18 Explain how the process of modernization is different from westernization with context to 
impact of colonial rule on India.  
4 
19 Describe the features and consequences of contract farming system in India.  
OR 
From the 1950s to the 1970s, a series of land reforms were passed- at the national level as 
well as in the states. Critically analyse why in spite of these reforms the agrarian structure 
still remains highly unequal.  
4 
20 Trace the growth of cellular telephony in India and how there has been a marked change in 
how its use is seen. 
4 
21 
 
Discuss how the nature of Indian television has changed since 1991.  4 
22 How does the Indian state ensure the viability of the relatively autonomus units within a 
larger federal structure? Since liberalization why has there been a great concern about 
increasing inter-regional economic and infrastructural inequalities? 
OR 
When was the Right to Information Act passed in the Parliament? Discuss its main 
provisions.  
6 
23 How does Panchayati Raj function in Tribal areas? What are the complexities associated 
with it? 
6 
24 Discuss the changing nature of women’s movements in India.  6  
25 
Time running out for 54 trapped miners in Jharkhand  
IANS, September 7, 2006 
54 miners at the Bhatdih colliery of Nagada were trapped Wednesday night following a blast 
due to the accumulation of gases. It was about 8 p.m. when the explosion, caused by the 
pressure due to accumulation of methane and carbon dioxide, shook the colliery belonging to 
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). The intensity was so high that a one tone trolley in 
inclination number 17 was thrown out.   
 
i) What are the provisions of the Mines Act 1952? Are they strictly adhered to by all 
companies?  
ii) Besides coal mines, discuss the condition of migrant workers in any other industry in 
India.  
6(3+3) 
 
Page 3


    
Date:                                                         Class: XII 
    Sociology (039)       
Time: 3 hrs.                                  M. M: 80  
General Instructions: 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
Question no 25 is to be answered with the help of the given passage.  
 
1 Interpret dependency ratio in your own words.  2 
2 In modern days it is in the cultural and domestic spheres that caste has proved strongest. 
Explain with example.  
2 
3 How did hundis facilitate trading in pre-colonial era?  2 
4 In what ways were the Blacks discriminated in South Africa under the policy of Apartheid? 2 
5 What do you understand by a ‘state-nation’? 2 
6 Name four cities which have witnessed negative decadal growth rate from 2001 to 2011.  2 
7 What is the vital difference between the empire building of pre-capitalist times and that of 
capitalist times? 
2 
8 Explain the emergence of Kolkata as a colonial city.  2 
9 Explain secularization of caste. 2 
10 Commercialisation of agriculture is indicative of capitalist agriculture according to some 
scholars. Explain.  
2 
11 Since April 1, 2001, all types of quantitative restrictions (QR) on imports were withdrawn. 
Discuss any two impacts of the same.  
2 
12 Give two reasons for the amazing growth in Indian language newspapers.  2 
13 Illustrate how the central feature of globalization is the increasing extension and integration 
of markets around the world. 
2 
14 Discuss how the nature of tribal markets changed during the colonial time.  2 
15 What is the advantage of studying child sex ratio along with the sex ratio of India? Why do 
the state-level child sex ratios offer great cause for worry? 
OR 
Unless a way forward is found, we may miss out on the potential benefits that the country’s 
changing age structure temporarily offers. Discuss. 
4 
16 What are the factors behind the assertion of tribal identities today? 4 
17 Untouchability is an extreme and particularly vicious aspect of the caste system. Discuss the 
problems associated and solutions for the same.  
4 
18 Explain how the process of modernization is different from westernization with context to 
impact of colonial rule on India.  
4 
19 Describe the features and consequences of contract farming system in India.  
OR 
From the 1950s to the 1970s, a series of land reforms were passed- at the national level as 
well as in the states. Critically analyse why in spite of these reforms the agrarian structure 
still remains highly unequal.  
4 
20 Trace the growth of cellular telephony in India and how there has been a marked change in 
how its use is seen. 
4 
21 
 
Discuss how the nature of Indian television has changed since 1991.  4 
22 How does the Indian state ensure the viability of the relatively autonomus units within a 
larger federal structure? Since liberalization why has there been a great concern about 
increasing inter-regional economic and infrastructural inequalities? 
OR 
When was the Right to Information Act passed in the Parliament? Discuss its main 
provisions.  
6 
23 How does Panchayati Raj function in Tribal areas? What are the complexities associated 
with it? 
6 
24 Discuss the changing nature of women’s movements in India.  6  
25 
Time running out for 54 trapped miners in Jharkhand  
IANS, September 7, 2006 
54 miners at the Bhatdih colliery of Nagada were trapped Wednesday night following a blast 
due to the accumulation of gases. It was about 8 p.m. when the explosion, caused by the 
pressure due to accumulation of methane and carbon dioxide, shook the colliery belonging to 
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). The intensity was so high that a one tone trolley in 
inclination number 17 was thrown out.   
 
i) What are the provisions of the Mines Act 1952? Are they strictly adhered to by all 
companies?  
ii) Besides coal mines, discuss the condition of migrant workers in any other industry in 
India.  
6(3+3) 
 
 
 
Sociology (039) 
Date:                                                         Class: XII 
Time: 3 hrs.                                 M. M: 80  
General Instructions: 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
Question no 25 is to be answered with the help of the given passage.  
 
1 
Interpret dependency ratio in your own words.  
It is a measure to calculate the number of dependents as compared to non dependents in the 
population.  
2 
2 
In modern days it is in the cultural and domestic spheres that caste has proved 
strongest. Explain with example.  
Endogamy remains largely unaffected by modernization and change. While some boundaries 
may have become more flexible or porous, the borders between groups of castes of similar 
socio-economic status are still prohibited.  
2 
3 
How did hundis facilitate trading in pre-colonial era?  
Allowed merchants to engage in long distance trade. Because trade took place primarily 
within the caste and kinship networks of these communities, a merchant in one part of the 
country could issue a hundi that would be honoured by merchant in another place.  
2 
4 
In what ways were the Blacks discriminated in South Africa under the policy of 
Apartheid? 
Citizenship, ownership of land and a formal voice in government. Mixed marriages 
prohibited. Low paying jobs, relocated to Bantustans. Black protestors routinely jailed, 
tortured and killed.  
2 
5 
What do you understand by a ‘state-nation’? 
Where various nations- be they ethnic, religious, linguistic or indigenous identities- can 
coexist peacefully and cooperatively in a state polity.  
2 
6 
Name four cities which have witnessed negative decadal growth rate from 2001 to 2011.  
Mumbai, Kolkata, Kanpur, Nagpur.  
2 
7 
What is the vital difference between the empire building of pre-capitalist times and 
that of capitalist times? 
Pre capitalist- apart from outright pillage, they benefitted from their domination by exacting 
a continuous flow of tribute. On the whole they did not interfere with the economic base. 
They simply took the tribue ….. 
British – directly interfered to ensured greatest profit and benefit to British capitalism. Every 
policy geared towards strengthening and expansion of British capitalism.  
2 
8 
Explain the emergence of Kolkata as a colonial city.  
1690- Eng merchant Job Charnock arranged to lease 3 villages by R. Hugli in order to set up 
a trading post. 1698- Fort William. The fort and the maidan  formed the core of the city that 
emerged rather rapidly.  
2 
9 
Explain secularization of caste. 
In old India caste system operated within a religious framework. Belief systems of purity and 
pollution were central to its practice. Today it often functions as political pressure groups. 
Formation of caste based associations and caste based political parties.  
2 
10 
Commercialization of agriculture is indicative of capitalist agriculture according to 
some scholars. Explain.  
Crops are being grown primarily for sale in market. Separation of the workers from the 
means of production- land, and the use of free wage labour. Farmers in the more developed 
regions were becoming more oriented to the market.  
2 
11 
Since April 1, 2001, all types of quantitative restrictions (QR) on imports were 2 
Page 4


    
Date:                                                         Class: XII 
    Sociology (039)       
Time: 3 hrs.                                  M. M: 80  
General Instructions: 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
Question no 25 is to be answered with the help of the given passage.  
 
1 Interpret dependency ratio in your own words.  2 
2 In modern days it is in the cultural and domestic spheres that caste has proved strongest. 
Explain with example.  
2 
3 How did hundis facilitate trading in pre-colonial era?  2 
4 In what ways were the Blacks discriminated in South Africa under the policy of Apartheid? 2 
5 What do you understand by a ‘state-nation’? 2 
6 Name four cities which have witnessed negative decadal growth rate from 2001 to 2011.  2 
7 What is the vital difference between the empire building of pre-capitalist times and that of 
capitalist times? 
2 
8 Explain the emergence of Kolkata as a colonial city.  2 
9 Explain secularization of caste. 2 
10 Commercialisation of agriculture is indicative of capitalist agriculture according to some 
scholars. Explain.  
2 
11 Since April 1, 2001, all types of quantitative restrictions (QR) on imports were withdrawn. 
Discuss any two impacts of the same.  
2 
12 Give two reasons for the amazing growth in Indian language newspapers.  2 
13 Illustrate how the central feature of globalization is the increasing extension and integration 
of markets around the world. 
2 
14 Discuss how the nature of tribal markets changed during the colonial time.  2 
15 What is the advantage of studying child sex ratio along with the sex ratio of India? Why do 
the state-level child sex ratios offer great cause for worry? 
OR 
Unless a way forward is found, we may miss out on the potential benefits that the country’s 
changing age structure temporarily offers. Discuss. 
4 
16 What are the factors behind the assertion of tribal identities today? 4 
17 Untouchability is an extreme and particularly vicious aspect of the caste system. Discuss the 
problems associated and solutions for the same.  
4 
18 Explain how the process of modernization is different from westernization with context to 
impact of colonial rule on India.  
4 
19 Describe the features and consequences of contract farming system in India.  
OR 
From the 1950s to the 1970s, a series of land reforms were passed- at the national level as 
well as in the states. Critically analyse why in spite of these reforms the agrarian structure 
still remains highly unequal.  
4 
20 Trace the growth of cellular telephony in India and how there has been a marked change in 
how its use is seen. 
4 
21 
 
Discuss how the nature of Indian television has changed since 1991.  4 
22 How does the Indian state ensure the viability of the relatively autonomus units within a 
larger federal structure? Since liberalization why has there been a great concern about 
increasing inter-regional economic and infrastructural inequalities? 
OR 
When was the Right to Information Act passed in the Parliament? Discuss its main 
provisions.  
6 
23 How does Panchayati Raj function in Tribal areas? What are the complexities associated 
with it? 
6 
24 Discuss the changing nature of women’s movements in India.  6  
25 
Time running out for 54 trapped miners in Jharkhand  
IANS, September 7, 2006 
54 miners at the Bhatdih colliery of Nagada were trapped Wednesday night following a blast 
due to the accumulation of gases. It was about 8 p.m. when the explosion, caused by the 
pressure due to accumulation of methane and carbon dioxide, shook the colliery belonging to 
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). The intensity was so high that a one tone trolley in 
inclination number 17 was thrown out.   
 
i) What are the provisions of the Mines Act 1952? Are they strictly adhered to by all 
companies?  
ii) Besides coal mines, discuss the condition of migrant workers in any other industry in 
India.  
6(3+3) 
 
 
 
Sociology (039) 
Date:                                                         Class: XII 
Time: 3 hrs.                                 M. M: 80  
General Instructions: 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
Question no 25 is to be answered with the help of the given passage.  
 
1 
Interpret dependency ratio in your own words.  
It is a measure to calculate the number of dependents as compared to non dependents in the 
population.  
2 
2 
In modern days it is in the cultural and domestic spheres that caste has proved 
strongest. Explain with example.  
Endogamy remains largely unaffected by modernization and change. While some boundaries 
may have become more flexible or porous, the borders between groups of castes of similar 
socio-economic status are still prohibited.  
2 
3 
How did hundis facilitate trading in pre-colonial era?  
Allowed merchants to engage in long distance trade. Because trade took place primarily 
within the caste and kinship networks of these communities, a merchant in one part of the 
country could issue a hundi that would be honoured by merchant in another place.  
2 
4 
In what ways were the Blacks discriminated in South Africa under the policy of 
Apartheid? 
Citizenship, ownership of land and a formal voice in government. Mixed marriages 
prohibited. Low paying jobs, relocated to Bantustans. Black protestors routinely jailed, 
tortured and killed.  
2 
5 
What do you understand by a ‘state-nation’? 
Where various nations- be they ethnic, religious, linguistic or indigenous identities- can 
coexist peacefully and cooperatively in a state polity.  
2 
6 
Name four cities which have witnessed negative decadal growth rate from 2001 to 2011.  
Mumbai, Kolkata, Kanpur, Nagpur.  
2 
7 
What is the vital difference between the empire building of pre-capitalist times and 
that of capitalist times? 
Pre capitalist- apart from outright pillage, they benefitted from their domination by exacting 
a continuous flow of tribute. On the whole they did not interfere with the economic base. 
They simply took the tribue ….. 
British – directly interfered to ensured greatest profit and benefit to British capitalism. Every 
policy geared towards strengthening and expansion of British capitalism.  
2 
8 
Explain the emergence of Kolkata as a colonial city.  
1690- Eng merchant Job Charnock arranged to lease 3 villages by R. Hugli in order to set up 
a trading post. 1698- Fort William. The fort and the maidan  formed the core of the city that 
emerged rather rapidly.  
2 
9 
Explain secularization of caste. 
In old India caste system operated within a religious framework. Belief systems of purity and 
pollution were central to its practice. Today it often functions as political pressure groups. 
Formation of caste based associations and caste based political parties.  
2 
10 
Commercialization of agriculture is indicative of capitalist agriculture according to 
some scholars. Explain.  
Crops are being grown primarily for sale in market. Separation of the workers from the 
means of production- land, and the use of free wage labour. Farmers in the more developed 
regions were becoming more oriented to the market.  
2 
11 
Since April 1, 2001, all types of quantitative restrictions (QR) on imports were 2 
withdrawn. Discuss any two impacts of the same.  
Fruits and veggies of foreign origin are easily available in the market. What we eat and drink 
slowly changes. Greater choices for urban consumers, crisis of livelihood for farmers.  
12 
Give two reasons for the amazing growth in Indian language newspapers.  
Rise in no of literate people. Concept of local news made popular to the needs of the readers 
in the small towns and villages.  
2 
13 
Illustrate how the central feature of globalization is the increasing extension and 
integration of markets around the world. 
Integration means that changes in a market in one part of the globe may have a profound 
impact somewhere else far away. EX- Indian software industry affected by slump in US 
economy, BPOs- global market for Indian software labour and other services.  
2 
14 
Discuss how the nature of tribal markets changed during the colonial time.  
Gradually incorporated in to the wider regional and national economies. Opened up by 
building roads. Market for tribal labour developed.  
2 
15 
What is the advantage of studying child sex ratio along with the sex ratio of India? 
Why do the state-level child sex ratios offer great cause for worry? 
The sex ratio in the age group 0-6 years reflects the ratio of female babies to male babies and 
is helpful in studying the trend in this age group. Also throws light on number of girl child 
allowed to be born. This gives a better overview of the age structure of the society. Greatly 
differs from overall sex ratio. Shows differential treatment of girl babies. 6 states and UTs 
have a child sex ratio of fewer than 900 females/1000 males. Punjab- 793, followed by 
Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat and HP. Above national average of 927- MP, Goa, 
J&K, Bihar, TN, Karnataka, Orissa, Kerala, Sikkim.  
OR 
Unless a way forward is found, we may miss out on the potential benefits that the 
country’s changing age structure temporarily offers. Discuss. 
The potential can be converted into actual growth only if the rise in the working age group is 
accompanied by increasing levels of education and employment. Planned development is 
imp. Stress on dep ratio as ratio of non-workers to workers. To be elaborated.   
 
4 
16 
What are the factors behind the assertion of tribal identities today? 
Forced incorporation into mainstream processes. Tribal identities are centered on ideas of 
resistance and opposition to the overwhelming force of the non-tribal world. The positive 
impact of successes –such as the achievement of statehood for Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh is 
moderated by continuing problems. Disturbed areas, still not autonomous.  Gradual 
emergence of an educated middle class among tribal communities. Issues relating to control 
over vital eco resources and issues relating to matters of ethnic-cultural identity.  
4 
17 
Untouchability is an extreme and particularly vicious aspect of the caste system. 
Discuss the problems associated and solutions for the same.  
Distance pollution. Social sanctions. 3 main dimensions of untouchabilty- namely exclusion, 
humiliation-subordination and exploitation. It is a pan- Indian phenomenon, although the 
specific forms and intensity vary considerably across regions and socio historical contexts. 
Solution- State action alone cannot ensure social change, the mindset of the people regarding 
notions of purity and pollution has to change.  
4 
18 
Explain how the process of modernization is different from westernization with context 
to impact of colonial rule on India.  
W-changes brought about in Indian society & culture as a result of over 150 years of British 
rule, the term subsuming changes occurring at different levels…technology, institutions, 
ideology and values.  
M- Universal commitments, cosmopolitan attitudes, utility, calculation and science, 
individual, achieved identity, work…. 
4 
19 
Describe the features and consequences of contract farming system in India.  
Co identifies crop to be grown, provides the seed and other inputs, as well as know-how and 
often also the working capital. The farmer is assured of a market. Common now in cut 
flowers, fruits-grapes, figs, pomegranates, cotton and oilseeds. Export oriented products such 
4 
Page 5


    
Date:                                                         Class: XII 
    Sociology (039)       
Time: 3 hrs.                                  M. M: 80  
General Instructions: 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
Question no 25 is to be answered with the help of the given passage.  
 
1 Interpret dependency ratio in your own words.  2 
2 In modern days it is in the cultural and domestic spheres that caste has proved strongest. 
Explain with example.  
2 
3 How did hundis facilitate trading in pre-colonial era?  2 
4 In what ways were the Blacks discriminated in South Africa under the policy of Apartheid? 2 
5 What do you understand by a ‘state-nation’? 2 
6 Name four cities which have witnessed negative decadal growth rate from 2001 to 2011.  2 
7 What is the vital difference between the empire building of pre-capitalist times and that of 
capitalist times? 
2 
8 Explain the emergence of Kolkata as a colonial city.  2 
9 Explain secularization of caste. 2 
10 Commercialisation of agriculture is indicative of capitalist agriculture according to some 
scholars. Explain.  
2 
11 Since April 1, 2001, all types of quantitative restrictions (QR) on imports were withdrawn. 
Discuss any two impacts of the same.  
2 
12 Give two reasons for the amazing growth in Indian language newspapers.  2 
13 Illustrate how the central feature of globalization is the increasing extension and integration 
of markets around the world. 
2 
14 Discuss how the nature of tribal markets changed during the colonial time.  2 
15 What is the advantage of studying child sex ratio along with the sex ratio of India? Why do 
the state-level child sex ratios offer great cause for worry? 
OR 
Unless a way forward is found, we may miss out on the potential benefits that the country’s 
changing age structure temporarily offers. Discuss. 
4 
16 What are the factors behind the assertion of tribal identities today? 4 
17 Untouchability is an extreme and particularly vicious aspect of the caste system. Discuss the 
problems associated and solutions for the same.  
4 
18 Explain how the process of modernization is different from westernization with context to 
impact of colonial rule on India.  
4 
19 Describe the features and consequences of contract farming system in India.  
OR 
From the 1950s to the 1970s, a series of land reforms were passed- at the national level as 
well as in the states. Critically analyse why in spite of these reforms the agrarian structure 
still remains highly unequal.  
4 
20 Trace the growth of cellular telephony in India and how there has been a marked change in 
how its use is seen. 
4 
21 
 
Discuss how the nature of Indian television has changed since 1991.  4 
22 How does the Indian state ensure the viability of the relatively autonomus units within a 
larger federal structure? Since liberalization why has there been a great concern about 
increasing inter-regional economic and infrastructural inequalities? 
OR 
When was the Right to Information Act passed in the Parliament? Discuss its main 
provisions.  
6 
23 How does Panchayati Raj function in Tribal areas? What are the complexities associated 
with it? 
6 
24 Discuss the changing nature of women’s movements in India.  6  
25 
Time running out for 54 trapped miners in Jharkhand  
IANS, September 7, 2006 
54 miners at the Bhatdih colliery of Nagada were trapped Wednesday night following a blast 
due to the accumulation of gases. It was about 8 p.m. when the explosion, caused by the 
pressure due to accumulation of methane and carbon dioxide, shook the colliery belonging to 
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). The intensity was so high that a one tone trolley in 
inclination number 17 was thrown out.   
 
i) What are the provisions of the Mines Act 1952? Are they strictly adhered to by all 
companies?  
ii) Besides coal mines, discuss the condition of migrant workers in any other industry in 
India.  
6(3+3) 
 
 
 
Sociology (039) 
Date:                                                         Class: XII 
Time: 3 hrs.                                 M. M: 80  
General Instructions: 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
Question no 25 is to be answered with the help of the given passage.  
 
1 
Interpret dependency ratio in your own words.  
It is a measure to calculate the number of dependents as compared to non dependents in the 
population.  
2 
2 
In modern days it is in the cultural and domestic spheres that caste has proved 
strongest. Explain with example.  
Endogamy remains largely unaffected by modernization and change. While some boundaries 
may have become more flexible or porous, the borders between groups of castes of similar 
socio-economic status are still prohibited.  
2 
3 
How did hundis facilitate trading in pre-colonial era?  
Allowed merchants to engage in long distance trade. Because trade took place primarily 
within the caste and kinship networks of these communities, a merchant in one part of the 
country could issue a hundi that would be honoured by merchant in another place.  
2 
4 
In what ways were the Blacks discriminated in South Africa under the policy of 
Apartheid? 
Citizenship, ownership of land and a formal voice in government. Mixed marriages 
prohibited. Low paying jobs, relocated to Bantustans. Black protestors routinely jailed, 
tortured and killed.  
2 
5 
What do you understand by a ‘state-nation’? 
Where various nations- be they ethnic, religious, linguistic or indigenous identities- can 
coexist peacefully and cooperatively in a state polity.  
2 
6 
Name four cities which have witnessed negative decadal growth rate from 2001 to 2011.  
Mumbai, Kolkata, Kanpur, Nagpur.  
2 
7 
What is the vital difference between the empire building of pre-capitalist times and 
that of capitalist times? 
Pre capitalist- apart from outright pillage, they benefitted from their domination by exacting 
a continuous flow of tribute. On the whole they did not interfere with the economic base. 
They simply took the tribue ….. 
British – directly interfered to ensured greatest profit and benefit to British capitalism. Every 
policy geared towards strengthening and expansion of British capitalism.  
2 
8 
Explain the emergence of Kolkata as a colonial city.  
1690- Eng merchant Job Charnock arranged to lease 3 villages by R. Hugli in order to set up 
a trading post. 1698- Fort William. The fort and the maidan  formed the core of the city that 
emerged rather rapidly.  
2 
9 
Explain secularization of caste. 
In old India caste system operated within a religious framework. Belief systems of purity and 
pollution were central to its practice. Today it often functions as political pressure groups. 
Formation of caste based associations and caste based political parties.  
2 
10 
Commercialization of agriculture is indicative of capitalist agriculture according to 
some scholars. Explain.  
Crops are being grown primarily for sale in market. Separation of the workers from the 
means of production- land, and the use of free wage labour. Farmers in the more developed 
regions were becoming more oriented to the market.  
2 
11 
Since April 1, 2001, all types of quantitative restrictions (QR) on imports were 2 
withdrawn. Discuss any two impacts of the same.  
Fruits and veggies of foreign origin are easily available in the market. What we eat and drink 
slowly changes. Greater choices for urban consumers, crisis of livelihood for farmers.  
12 
Give two reasons for the amazing growth in Indian language newspapers.  
Rise in no of literate people. Concept of local news made popular to the needs of the readers 
in the small towns and villages.  
2 
13 
Illustrate how the central feature of globalization is the increasing extension and 
integration of markets around the world. 
Integration means that changes in a market in one part of the globe may have a profound 
impact somewhere else far away. EX- Indian software industry affected by slump in US 
economy, BPOs- global market for Indian software labour and other services.  
2 
14 
Discuss how the nature of tribal markets changed during the colonial time.  
Gradually incorporated in to the wider regional and national economies. Opened up by 
building roads. Market for tribal labour developed.  
2 
15 
What is the advantage of studying child sex ratio along with the sex ratio of India? 
Why do the state-level child sex ratios offer great cause for worry? 
The sex ratio in the age group 0-6 years reflects the ratio of female babies to male babies and 
is helpful in studying the trend in this age group. Also throws light on number of girl child 
allowed to be born. This gives a better overview of the age structure of the society. Greatly 
differs from overall sex ratio. Shows differential treatment of girl babies. 6 states and UTs 
have a child sex ratio of fewer than 900 females/1000 males. Punjab- 793, followed by 
Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat and HP. Above national average of 927- MP, Goa, 
J&K, Bihar, TN, Karnataka, Orissa, Kerala, Sikkim.  
OR 
Unless a way forward is found, we may miss out on the potential benefits that the 
country’s changing age structure temporarily offers. Discuss. 
The potential can be converted into actual growth only if the rise in the working age group is 
accompanied by increasing levels of education and employment. Planned development is 
imp. Stress on dep ratio as ratio of non-workers to workers. To be elaborated.   
 
4 
16 
What are the factors behind the assertion of tribal identities today? 
Forced incorporation into mainstream processes. Tribal identities are centered on ideas of 
resistance and opposition to the overwhelming force of the non-tribal world. The positive 
impact of successes –such as the achievement of statehood for Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh is 
moderated by continuing problems. Disturbed areas, still not autonomous.  Gradual 
emergence of an educated middle class among tribal communities. Issues relating to control 
over vital eco resources and issues relating to matters of ethnic-cultural identity.  
4 
17 
Untouchability is an extreme and particularly vicious aspect of the caste system. 
Discuss the problems associated and solutions for the same.  
Distance pollution. Social sanctions. 3 main dimensions of untouchabilty- namely exclusion, 
humiliation-subordination and exploitation. It is a pan- Indian phenomenon, although the 
specific forms and intensity vary considerably across regions and socio historical contexts. 
Solution- State action alone cannot ensure social change, the mindset of the people regarding 
notions of purity and pollution has to change.  
4 
18 
Explain how the process of modernization is different from westernization with context 
to impact of colonial rule on India.  
W-changes brought about in Indian society & culture as a result of over 150 years of British 
rule, the term subsuming changes occurring at different levels…technology, institutions, 
ideology and values.  
M- Universal commitments, cosmopolitan attitudes, utility, calculation and science, 
individual, achieved identity, work…. 
4 
19 
Describe the features and consequences of contract farming system in India.  
Co identifies crop to be grown, provides the seed and other inputs, as well as know-how and 
often also the working capital. The farmer is assured of a market. Common now in cut 
flowers, fruits-grapes, figs, pomegranates, cotton and oilseeds. Export oriented products such 
4 
as flowers and gherkins means agri land is diverted away from food grain prod. Sociological 
signi- disengages many people from the prod process and makes their own indigenous 
knowledge of agri irrelevant. Caters to the prod of elite items. Not ecologically sustainable.  
OR 
From the 1950s to the 1970s, a series of land reforms were passed- at the national level 
as well as in the states. Critically analyse why in spite of these reforms the agrarian 
structure still remains highly unequal. 
Failure in implementation-  
1. Zamindari sys abolition- Though most effective of all did not wipe out landlordism 
or the tenancy or sharecropping systems, which continued in many areas. It only 
removed the top layer of landlords in the multi-layered agrarian structure.  
2. Tenancy reforms- in most of the states, these laws were never implemented very 
effectively.  
3. Land ceiling Act- too many loopholes.  
4. Progress of land reforms uneven across states. West Bengal and Kerala still 
implemented.  
20 
Trace the growth of cellular telephony in India and how there has been a marked 
change in how its use is seen. 
India is one of the fastest growing mobile markets in in the world. Commercially launched in 
August 1995 in India. New Telecom Policy of 1999, pro consumer initiatives. In 2006, the 
only countries with more mobile phones than India- China, US and Russia.  
1980s- cell phones looked at with distrust 
1998- luxury items 
2006country with the 4
th
 largest usage of cell phones. Students appeal to the President if 
denied cell usage in colleges.  
4 
21 
 
Discuss how the nature of Indian television has changed since 1991.  
1991- Launching of STAR TV by the Whampoa Hutchison Group of Hong Kong signaled 
the arrival of private satellite channels in India. 
1992- ZEE TV 
By 2000, 40 private cable and satellite channels, including regional –language broadcasting 
like SUN TV, Eenadu TV… 
Cable operators multiplied. 
Adoption of localization. 1996- STAR PLUS. Hinglish slogan. Dubbing of US programmes. 
Channels 24x7 
News lively and informal, public debate, reality shows.  
4 
22 
How does the Indian state ensure the viability of the relatively autonomus units within 
a larger federal structure? Since liberalization why has there been a great concern 
about increasing inter-regional economic and infrastructural inequalities? 
1. 3 lists 
2. state legislatures determine the composition of RS 
3. Periodic committees and commissions that decide on Center-State relations. Finance 
Commission. 
4. Each FYP also involves detailed State Plans prepared by the State Planning Commissions 
of each state.  
As private investment is given a greater role in eco devp, considerations of regional equity 
get diluted.  
OR 
When was the Right to Information Act passed in the Parliament? Discuss its main 
provisions. 
15 June 2005 and into force on 13 October 2005.  
Any person may request info from a public authority- within 30 days. 
Requires every public authority to computerize their records. 
Proactively publish certain categories of info 
Citizens have a right to- 
Request any information 
6