Half Yearly Class 7 Social Studies Set 3 (Solutions) | Social Science Class 7 - New NCERT PDF Download

Maximum Marks: 80
Time: 3 Hours
General Instructions:
(i) The question paper consists of 34 questions divided into four sections: A, B, C, and D. 
(ii) All questions are compulsory. 
(iii) Section A: Questions 1 to 15 are multiple-choice questions, carrying 1 mark each. Select the most appropriate response. 
(iv) Section B: Questions 16 to 22 are short-answer questions, carrying 2 marks each. 
(v) Section C: Questions 23 to 31 are short-answer questions, carrying 4 marks each. 
(vi) Section D: Questions 32 to 34 are short-answer questions, carrying 5 marks each. 
(vii) Write answers neatly and legibly.

Section A

Q1. Which geographical feature is known for its rich mineral deposits?  (1 mark)
(a) Northern Plains
(b) Deccan Plateau 
(c) Coastal Plains
(d) Himalayas

Ans: (b)
Sol: The Deccan Plateau is rich in mineral deposits like iron and coal.

Q2. Which ancient city was a center for Jainism and Buddhism? (1 mark)
(a) Kanchipuram
(b) Vaishali 
(c) Ujjain
(d) Pataliputra

Ans: (b)
Sol: Vaishali was a center for Jainism and Buddhism in ancient India.

Q3. Which government type has no elected representatives? (1 mark)
(a) Democracy
(b) Republic
(c) Monarchy
(d) Oligarchy 

Ans: (c)
Sol: A monarchy has no elected representatives; power is hereditary.

Q4. What was a common item exchanged in the barter system? (1 mark)
(a) Paper notes
(b) Grains 
(c) Credit cards
(d) Digital tokens

Ans: (b)
Sol: Grains were commonly exchanged in the barter system.

Q5. Which site is sacred for its association with Lord Krishna? (1 mark)
(a) Mathura 
(b) Sarnath
(c) Amritsar
(d) Tirupati

Ans: (a)
Sol: Mathura is sacred for its association with Lord Krishna.

Q6. Which region in India supports mangrove forests? (1 mark)
(a) Sundarbans 
(b) Thar Desert
(c) Deccan Plateau
(d) Himalayas

Ans: (a)
Sol: The Sundarbans support mangrove forests due to their coastal location.

Q7. Which Mauryan emperor expanded the empire significantly? (1 mark)
(a) Ashoka
(b) Bindusara
(c) Chandragupta Maurya 
(d) Samudragupta

Ans: (c)
Sol: Chandragupta Maurya significantly expanded the Maurya Empire.

Q8. In a democracy, who makes the laws? (1 mark)
(a) The king
(b) Elected representatives 
(c) The military
(d) Religious leaders

Ans: (b)
Sol: In a democracy, elected representatives make laws.

Q9. Which was a key import in ancient Indian trade? (1 mark)
(a) Spices
(b) Horses 
(c) Cotton
(d) Silk

Ans: (b)
Sol: Horses were a key import in ancient Indian trade.

Q10. Which geographical feature influences India’s monsoon? (1 mark)
(a) Thar Desert
(b) Western Ghats 
(c) Aravali Range
(d) Indo-Gangetic Plains

Ans: (b)
Sol: The Western Ghats influence India’s monsoon by blocking rain-bearing winds.

Q11. Which city was known for its Buddhist stupas? (1 mark)
(a) Sanchi 
(b) Taxila
(c) Lothal
(d) Mathura

Ans: (a)
Sol: Sanchi is known for its Buddhist stupas.

Q12. Why was the barter system challenging for traders? (1 mark)
(a) It used heavy coins
(b) It lacked divisibility 
(c) It was too fast
(d) It used digital payments

Ans: (b)
Sol: The barter system was challenging due to the difficulty in dividing goods.

Q13. Which river is associated with the Kumbh Mela? (1 mark)
(a) Yamuna
(b) Godavari
(c) Ganga 
(d) Brahmaputra

Ans: (c)
Sol: The Ganga is associated with the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival.

Q14. Which empire was known for its efficient tax collection system? (1 mark)
(a) Gupta Empire
(b) Maurya Empire 
(c) Chola Empire
(d) Vijayanagara Empire

Ans: (b)
Sol: The Maurya Empire had an efficient tax collection system.

Q15. Which government type ensures equality before the law? (1 mark)
(a) Monarchy
(b) Oligarchy
(c) Democracy 
(d) Dictatorship

Ans: (c)
Sol: Democracy ensures equality before the law through citizen participation.

Section B

Q16. What is the significance of the Himalayas in India’s geography?  (2 marks)

Ans: The Himalayas act as a climatic barrier, protect against invasions, and are a source of rivers like the Ganga, vital for agriculture.

Q17. Name two ancient Indian ports and their role.  (2 marks)

Ans: Lothal and Bharuch were ancient ports facilitating maritime trade with regions like Mesopotamia.

Q18. Define the term ’Dhamma’ as promoted by Ashoka.  (2 marks)

Ans: Dhamma was Ashoka’s policy of ethical conduct, promoting non-violence, tolerance, and respect for all religions.

Q19. Differentiate between a republic and a monarchy.  (2 marks)

Ans: A republic has elected representatives, while a monarchy is ruled by a hereditary king or queen.

Q20. What is meant by ’store of value’ in the context of money?  (2 marks)

Ans: A store of value means money retains its worth over time, allowing savings. 
Example: Coins could be saved for future trade.

Q21. Name two sacred mountains in India and their importance.  (2 marks)

Ans: Mount Kailash (Hinduism, Buddhism) and Nanda Devi (Hinduism) are sacred for their divine associations.

Q22. What was the role of artisans in ancient Indian cities?  (2 marks)

Ans: Artisans in ancient cities crafted pottery, textiles, and jewelry, contributing to trade and cultural richness.

Section C

Q23. Explain the role of the Coastal Plains in India’s economy.  (4 marks)

Ans: The Coastal Plains support fishing, trade, and agriculture (rice, coconut), with ports like Mumbai boosting commerce and economic growth.

Q24. Describe the significance of Vaishali as a religious and political center.  (4 marks)

Ans: Vaishali was a religious center for Jainism and Buddhism and a political hub as a republic, fostering democratic practices and cultural exchange.

Q25. Why are certain cities like Mathura considered sacred?  (4 marks)

Ans: Cities like Mathura are sacred due to their association with deities (Lord Krishna) and religious practices, attracting pilgrims and shaping cultural identity.

Q26. Discuss the limitations of an oligarchy compared to a democracy.  (4 marks)

Ans: An oligarchy limits power to a few, often leading to inequality, while democracy promotes broader participation and accountability to citizens.

Q27. How did the use of money promote urban growth in ancient India?  (4 marks)

Ans: Money enabled standardized transactions, supported market growth, and attracted traders to cities, leading to urban expansion and prosperity.

Q28. Explain the role of the Silk Route in ancient Indian trade.  (4 marks)

Ans: The Silk Route connected India to Central Asia and China, facilitating trade in silk, spices, and ideas, boosting economic and cultural exchange.

Q29. Describe the influence of the Eastern Ghats on regional agriculture.  (4 marks)

Ans: The Eastern Ghats, with moderate rainfall, support crops like rice and millets, shaping agricultural practices in states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Q30. Discuss the contributions of Ashoka to Indian society.  (4 marks)

Ans: Ashoka promoted Dhamma,  built hospitals,  spread Buddhism,  and constructed roads, fostering social welfare and cultural unity.

Q31. How did sacred rivers influence the settlement patterns in ancient India?  (4 marks)

Ans: Sacred rivers like the Ganga attracted settlements due to fertile soil and religious significance, leading to cities like Varanasi and Haridwar.

Section D

Q32. Discuss how India’s diverse geography shapes its cultural diversity.  (5 marks)

Ans: India’s geography,  with Himalayas,  plains,  plateaus,  and coasts,  fosters diverse cultures through varied climates, crops, and traditions, shaping regional identities.

Q33. Explain the rise of the Gupta Empire and its impact on Indian culture.  (5 marks)

Ans: The Gupta Empire, starting with Chandragupta I, promoted art (Ajanta caves), literature (Kalidasa), and science (mathematics, astronomy), creating a cultural golden age.

Q34. Describe the evolution from barter to money and its effects on ancient Indian trade.  (5 marks)

Ans: The barter system lacked divisibility and standard value, hindering trade. Money simplified transactions, enabled long-distance trade, and supported economic and urban growth.