Class 8 Social Science: Sample Question Paper – 8 | Social Studies (SST) Class 8 PDF Download

 Page 1


VIII B 1 OF 2 
 
 
 
Date:                            Class: VIII 
Time:3 hrs                                      Social Science                         M.M:90 
General Instructions: 
1. All the questions are compulsory 
2. Read the question paper carefully. 
3. Attempt all parts of a question together. 
4.  Questions from serial numbers. 1 to 9 are 1 mark question. 
5. Questions 10 to 21  are 3 marks questions 
6. Question 22 to 29 are 5 marks each 
7. Map question carrries 5 marks. 
 
1 Is soil a renewable or non renewable resource?  
1 
2 Name any two animals threatened due to poaching. 
 
1 
3 What do you understand by “buried sunshine”? 
 
1 
4  Define the term ‘Musket’ in your own words. 
  
1 
5 Name any two areas annexed by the British under their annexation policy. 
 
1 
6 For whom was the term ‘ryots’ used?   
 
1 
7 Give an example of discrimination, exclusion and persecution on the grounds of religion. 
 
1 
8 State the meaning of Universal Adult Franchise. 
 
1 
9 Under which article is Right to Life included?  
 
1 
10 Identify the resources on the basis of their distribution and explain each one of them. 
 
3 
11 “The distribution of population is uneven in different parts of the world”- Justify the statement. 
 
3 
12 ‘Minerals are precious, they need to be conserved’. In the light of given statement suggest few 
ways to conserve mineral resources? 
 3 
13 Name the Indian ruler who took part in the Battle of Buxar? Write in brief the outcome of the 
battle. 
1+2=3 
14  `After the setup of the East India Company in 1651 there was a constant conflict between the 
East India Company and the Nawabs of Bengal’. Justify the given statement.   
3 
Page 2


VIII B 1 OF 2 
 
 
 
Date:                            Class: VIII 
Time:3 hrs                                      Social Science                         M.M:90 
General Instructions: 
1. All the questions are compulsory 
2. Read the question paper carefully. 
3. Attempt all parts of a question together. 
4.  Questions from serial numbers. 1 to 9 are 1 mark question. 
5. Questions 10 to 21  are 3 marks questions 
6. Question 22 to 29 are 5 marks each 
7. Map question carrries 5 marks. 
 
1 Is soil a renewable or non renewable resource?  
1 
2 Name any two animals threatened due to poaching. 
 
1 
3 What do you understand by “buried sunshine”? 
 
1 
4  Define the term ‘Musket’ in your own words. 
  
1 
5 Name any two areas annexed by the British under their annexation policy. 
 
1 
6 For whom was the term ‘ryots’ used?   
 
1 
7 Give an example of discrimination, exclusion and persecution on the grounds of religion. 
 
1 
8 State the meaning of Universal Adult Franchise. 
 
1 
9 Under which article is Right to Life included?  
 
1 
10 Identify the resources on the basis of their distribution and explain each one of them. 
 
3 
11 “The distribution of population is uneven in different parts of the world”- Justify the statement. 
 
3 
12 ‘Minerals are precious, they need to be conserved’. In the light of given statement suggest few 
ways to conserve mineral resources? 
 3 
13 Name the Indian ruler who took part in the Battle of Buxar? Write in brief the outcome of the 
battle. 
1+2=3 
14  `After the setup of the East India Company in 1651 there was a constant conflict between the 
East India Company and the Nawabs of Bengal’. Justify the given statement.   
3 
VIII B 2 OF 2 
 
 
15 Explain the benefits reaped by the East India Company through Diwani. 
 
3 
16 Give a brief description of the Mahalwari System. 
 
3 
17 State the over ambitious imperialist policies followed by the British before May 1857 . 
 
3 
18 “The Indian Constitution mandates the Indian State to be secular’. Justify the statement. 
 
3 
19 ‘Parliament is the most important symbol of Indian democracy’. Justify the statement. 
 
 3 
20 Discuss the important role of Judiciary. 
 
3 
21 What are dowry deaths? Enumerate the provisions made for combating this problem. 
 
1+2=3 
22 What is Sustainable development? Enlist the principles of Sustainable development. 
 
1+4=5 
23 Suggest few of the measures to conserve soil resources. 
 
5 
24 State the various ways in which minerals can be useful to us. 
 
 5 
25 ‘The Indian sepoys were discontented under the East India Company.’ Highlight the reasons in 
your own words. 
 
5 
26 Describe the ways adopted by the Company to suppress the revolt of 1857.What values to the 
Indian people does Rani Lakshmibai’s valour impart? 
 
4+1=5 
27 ‘The Indian state keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion.’ Justify the 
statement by giving suitable points. 
 
5 
28 Compare and contrast between the State Legislative Assembly and the Lok Sabha. 5 
29 Recall and write about the significance of Public Interest Litigation. 
 
5 
30 On a political map of India locate the following important centers of Freedom movement:  
1. Surat 
2. Meerut 
2 
31 On the same political map of India locate the following: 
1. Raniganj coal mine 
2.  A region of Tropical thorn vegetation 
3. A major region of alluvial soil. 
3 
 
 
 
 
Page 3


VIII B 1 OF 2 
 
 
 
Date:                            Class: VIII 
Time:3 hrs                                      Social Science                         M.M:90 
General Instructions: 
1. All the questions are compulsory 
2. Read the question paper carefully. 
3. Attempt all parts of a question together. 
4.  Questions from serial numbers. 1 to 9 are 1 mark question. 
5. Questions 10 to 21  are 3 marks questions 
6. Question 22 to 29 are 5 marks each 
7. Map question carrries 5 marks. 
 
1 Is soil a renewable or non renewable resource?  
1 
2 Name any two animals threatened due to poaching. 
 
1 
3 What do you understand by “buried sunshine”? 
 
1 
4  Define the term ‘Musket’ in your own words. 
  
1 
5 Name any two areas annexed by the British under their annexation policy. 
 
1 
6 For whom was the term ‘ryots’ used?   
 
1 
7 Give an example of discrimination, exclusion and persecution on the grounds of religion. 
 
1 
8 State the meaning of Universal Adult Franchise. 
 
1 
9 Under which article is Right to Life included?  
 
1 
10 Identify the resources on the basis of their distribution and explain each one of them. 
 
3 
11 “The distribution of population is uneven in different parts of the world”- Justify the statement. 
 
3 
12 ‘Minerals are precious, they need to be conserved’. In the light of given statement suggest few 
ways to conserve mineral resources? 
 3 
13 Name the Indian ruler who took part in the Battle of Buxar? Write in brief the outcome of the 
battle. 
1+2=3 
14  `After the setup of the East India Company in 1651 there was a constant conflict between the 
East India Company and the Nawabs of Bengal’. Justify the given statement.   
3 
VIII B 2 OF 2 
 
 
15 Explain the benefits reaped by the East India Company through Diwani. 
 
3 
16 Give a brief description of the Mahalwari System. 
 
3 
17 State the over ambitious imperialist policies followed by the British before May 1857 . 
 
3 
18 “The Indian Constitution mandates the Indian State to be secular’. Justify the statement. 
 
3 
19 ‘Parliament is the most important symbol of Indian democracy’. Justify the statement. 
 
 3 
20 Discuss the important role of Judiciary. 
 
3 
21 What are dowry deaths? Enumerate the provisions made for combating this problem. 
 
1+2=3 
22 What is Sustainable development? Enlist the principles of Sustainable development. 
 
1+4=5 
23 Suggest few of the measures to conserve soil resources. 
 
5 
24 State the various ways in which minerals can be useful to us. 
 
 5 
25 ‘The Indian sepoys were discontented under the East India Company.’ Highlight the reasons in 
your own words. 
 
5 
26 Describe the ways adopted by the Company to suppress the revolt of 1857.What values to the 
Indian people does Rani Lakshmibai’s valour impart? 
 
4+1=5 
27 ‘The Indian state keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion.’ Justify the 
statement by giving suitable points. 
 
5 
28 Compare and contrast between the State Legislative Assembly and the Lok Sabha. 5 
29 Recall and write about the significance of Public Interest Litigation. 
 
5 
30 On a political map of India locate the following important centers of Freedom movement:  
1. Surat 
2. Meerut 
2 
31 On the same political map of India locate the following: 
1. Raniganj coal mine 
2.  A region of Tropical thorn vegetation 
3. A major region of alluvial soil. 
3 
 
 
 
 
1 
 
 
 
 
 
Answer Key 
 
  
Date of Exam:                               Class: VIII 
 
Subject: Social Science 
Instructions: 
 
 
1 Is soil a renewable or non renewable resource? 
Ans: renewable 
       
1 
2  Name any two animals threatened due to poaching. 
 Ans: black buck, tiger, lion, snow leapord, crocodile, rhinoceros. (any2) 
1 
3 Define the term “buried sunshine”? 
Ans: Coal is referred to as buried sunshine because of the following reasons: 
1) It produces energy. 2) It is buried under the layers of the earth. 
1 
4 Define the term ‘Musket’ in your words. 
 A heavy gun used by infantry soldiers. 
1 
5 Name any two areas annexed by the British under their annexation policy. 
Udaipur , Nagpur, Jhansi,Sambalpur,Satara. 
1 
6 For whom was the term ‘ryots’ used?   
Ans: The term ‘ryots’ was used for the cultivators. 
1 
7 Give an example of discrimination, exclusion and persecution on the grounds of religion. 
A1. Jews were persecuted in Hitler’s Germany/ In Saudi Arabia non muslims are not allowed to build a 
temple, church etc.   
1 
8 State the meaning of Universal Adult Franchise? 
A2. U.A.F allows all adult citizens of the country the right to vote. 
1 
9 Under which article is Right to Life included?  
Ans. Artcle 21 of the Indian Constitution is ‘Right to Life. 
1 
10 Identify the resources on the basis of their distribution and explain them. 
Ans: Ubiquitous and Localised  
 
 
 
 
 
(2marks)                                               
Ubiquitous resource Localized resource 
A resource which is found 
everywhere 
A resource which is 
found only in certain 
places 
Example: The air we 
breathe 
Example: Copper, iron-
ore 
1+
2= 
3 
11 
 
“The distribution of population is uneven in different parts of the world”- Justify the statement. 
Ans: 1. The uneven distribution of population in different parts of the world is mainly due to varied 
characteristics of land and climate.  
2. Sparsely populated regions:- The rugged topography, steep slopes of the mountains, low lying areas 
suspectible to water logging, desert areas thick forested areas are normally sparsely populated or uninhabited. 
3. Densely populated regions:- Plains and river valleys offer suitable land for agriculture. 
Hence, these are the densely populated areas of the world. 
3 
12 ‘Minerals are precious, they need to be conserved’. In the light of given statement suggest few ways to 
conserve minerals 
Ans: Minerals can be conserved by the following ways :-  
1) Reduce wastage in the process of mining.  
2) Recycling of metals.  
3) Export of minerals should be minimum.  
4) To save the minerals their substitute should be used. 
3
13 Name the Indian ruler who took part in the Battle of Buxar? Write in brief the outcome of the battle. 
Ans: 
3 
Page 4


VIII B 1 OF 2 
 
 
 
Date:                            Class: VIII 
Time:3 hrs                                      Social Science                         M.M:90 
General Instructions: 
1. All the questions are compulsory 
2. Read the question paper carefully. 
3. Attempt all parts of a question together. 
4.  Questions from serial numbers. 1 to 9 are 1 mark question. 
5. Questions 10 to 21  are 3 marks questions 
6. Question 22 to 29 are 5 marks each 
7. Map question carrries 5 marks. 
 
1 Is soil a renewable or non renewable resource?  
1 
2 Name any two animals threatened due to poaching. 
 
1 
3 What do you understand by “buried sunshine”? 
 
1 
4  Define the term ‘Musket’ in your own words. 
  
1 
5 Name any two areas annexed by the British under their annexation policy. 
 
1 
6 For whom was the term ‘ryots’ used?   
 
1 
7 Give an example of discrimination, exclusion and persecution on the grounds of religion. 
 
1 
8 State the meaning of Universal Adult Franchise. 
 
1 
9 Under which article is Right to Life included?  
 
1 
10 Identify the resources on the basis of their distribution and explain each one of them. 
 
3 
11 “The distribution of population is uneven in different parts of the world”- Justify the statement. 
 
3 
12 ‘Minerals are precious, they need to be conserved’. In the light of given statement suggest few 
ways to conserve mineral resources? 
 3 
13 Name the Indian ruler who took part in the Battle of Buxar? Write in brief the outcome of the 
battle. 
1+2=3 
14  `After the setup of the East India Company in 1651 there was a constant conflict between the 
East India Company and the Nawabs of Bengal’. Justify the given statement.   
3 
VIII B 2 OF 2 
 
 
15 Explain the benefits reaped by the East India Company through Diwani. 
 
3 
16 Give a brief description of the Mahalwari System. 
 
3 
17 State the over ambitious imperialist policies followed by the British before May 1857 . 
 
3 
18 “The Indian Constitution mandates the Indian State to be secular’. Justify the statement. 
 
3 
19 ‘Parliament is the most important symbol of Indian democracy’. Justify the statement. 
 
 3 
20 Discuss the important role of Judiciary. 
 
3 
21 What are dowry deaths? Enumerate the provisions made for combating this problem. 
 
1+2=3 
22 What is Sustainable development? Enlist the principles of Sustainable development. 
 
1+4=5 
23 Suggest few of the measures to conserve soil resources. 
 
5 
24 State the various ways in which minerals can be useful to us. 
 
 5 
25 ‘The Indian sepoys were discontented under the East India Company.’ Highlight the reasons in 
your own words. 
 
5 
26 Describe the ways adopted by the Company to suppress the revolt of 1857.What values to the 
Indian people does Rani Lakshmibai’s valour impart? 
 
4+1=5 
27 ‘The Indian state keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion.’ Justify the 
statement by giving suitable points. 
 
5 
28 Compare and contrast between the State Legislative Assembly and the Lok Sabha. 5 
29 Recall and write about the significance of Public Interest Litigation. 
 
5 
30 On a political map of India locate the following important centers of Freedom movement:  
1. Surat 
2. Meerut 
2 
31 On the same political map of India locate the following: 
1. Raniganj coal mine 
2.  A region of Tropical thorn vegetation 
3. A major region of alluvial soil. 
3 
 
 
 
 
1 
 
 
 
 
 
Answer Key 
 
  
Date of Exam:                               Class: VIII 
 
Subject: Social Science 
Instructions: 
 
 
1 Is soil a renewable or non renewable resource? 
Ans: renewable 
       
1 
2  Name any two animals threatened due to poaching. 
 Ans: black buck, tiger, lion, snow leapord, crocodile, rhinoceros. (any2) 
1 
3 Define the term “buried sunshine”? 
Ans: Coal is referred to as buried sunshine because of the following reasons: 
1) It produces energy. 2) It is buried under the layers of the earth. 
1 
4 Define the term ‘Musket’ in your words. 
 A heavy gun used by infantry soldiers. 
1 
5 Name any two areas annexed by the British under their annexation policy. 
Udaipur , Nagpur, Jhansi,Sambalpur,Satara. 
1 
6 For whom was the term ‘ryots’ used?   
Ans: The term ‘ryots’ was used for the cultivators. 
1 
7 Give an example of discrimination, exclusion and persecution on the grounds of religion. 
A1. Jews were persecuted in Hitler’s Germany/ In Saudi Arabia non muslims are not allowed to build a 
temple, church etc.   
1 
8 State the meaning of Universal Adult Franchise? 
A2. U.A.F allows all adult citizens of the country the right to vote. 
1 
9 Under which article is Right to Life included?  
Ans. Artcle 21 of the Indian Constitution is ‘Right to Life. 
1 
10 Identify the resources on the basis of their distribution and explain them. 
Ans: Ubiquitous and Localised  
 
 
 
 
 
(2marks)                                               
Ubiquitous resource Localized resource 
A resource which is found 
everywhere 
A resource which is 
found only in certain 
places 
Example: The air we 
breathe 
Example: Copper, iron-
ore 
1+
2= 
3 
11 
 
“The distribution of population is uneven in different parts of the world”- Justify the statement. 
Ans: 1. The uneven distribution of population in different parts of the world is mainly due to varied 
characteristics of land and climate.  
2. Sparsely populated regions:- The rugged topography, steep slopes of the mountains, low lying areas 
suspectible to water logging, desert areas thick forested areas are normally sparsely populated or uninhabited. 
3. Densely populated regions:- Plains and river valleys offer suitable land for agriculture. 
Hence, these are the densely populated areas of the world. 
3 
12 ‘Minerals are precious, they need to be conserved’. In the light of given statement suggest few ways to 
conserve minerals 
Ans: Minerals can be conserved by the following ways :-  
1) Reduce wastage in the process of mining.  
2) Recycling of metals.  
3) Export of minerals should be minimum.  
4) To save the minerals their substitute should be used. 
3
13 Name the Indian ruler who took part in the Battle of Buxar? Write in brief the outcome of the battle. 
Ans: 
3 
2 
 
 i)  The Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim fought against the East India Company. 
  ii) Mir Qasim was defeated in the Battle of Buxar. 
iii) Mir Qasim was driven out of Bengal and Mir Jafar was reinstalled, who died the next year, i.e. 1765. 
iv) The company now began to exploit the vast revenue resources of Bengal. 
14 “After the set up of the East India Company in 1651 there was a constant conflict between the East India 
Company and the Nawabs of Bengal.” Justify the given statement.   
Ans:  
i) The Bengal Nawabs asserted their power and autonomy and refused to grant the company concessions. 
ii) They demanded large tributes for the Company’s right to trade. 
iii) They denied the Company any right to mint coins. 
iv) The Nawabs stopped the Company from extending its fortifications. 
3 
15 Explain the benefits reaped by the East India Company through Diwani. 
Ans: The Mughal emperor, in 1765, appointed the company as the Diwan of the provinces of Bengal. 
i) The Diwani allowed the Company to exploit the vast revenue resources of Bengal. 
ii) The overflow of gold and silver from Britain stopped after the assumption of Diwani. Now   revenue 
from India could finance Company expenses. 
iii) These revenues they used to purchase cotton, silk textiles in India, maintain troops and meet the cost of 
building the Company fort and offices at Calcutta. 
3 
16 Give a brief description of the Mahalwari System. 
Ans:  
i) The Mahalwari system was devised by an Englishman called Holt Mackenzie which came into effect in 
1822. 
ii) He felt that villages needed to be preserved. 
iii) Under his directions collectors went from village to village inspecting the land , measuring the fields etc. 
iv) The village headman was given the charge of collecting the revenue and paying to the Company. 
 
 3 
17 The over ambitious imperialist policies followed by  the British rulers  before May1857were: 
i)  Since the mid-18
th
 century Nawabs and Rajas had gradually lost their authority and honour. 
ii) Residents had been stationed in many courts, the freedom of the rulers reduced, their armed forces 
disbanded and their revenues and territories taken away by stages. 
iii) The Company decided to end the Mughal dynasty. In 1849, Governor-General Dalhousie announced that 
after the death of Bahadur Shah Zafar the family of the king would be shifted out of the Red Fort. 
iv) In 1856 Governor-General Canning decided that Bahadur Shah would be the last Mughal ruler. 
3 
18 “The Indian Constitution mandates the Indian State to be secular’. Justify the statement. 
a. that one religious community does not dominate another. 
b. that some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community. 
c. that the State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals. 
 
3 
19 ‘Parliament is the most important symbol of Indian democracy’. Justify the statement. 
A4. a. The Parliament which is made up of representative together, controls and guides the government. 
b. Parliament is a supreme legislative body. 
c.  It is a forum of debate and discussions and holds the government for its actions. 
3 
20 Discuss the important role of Judiciary. 
Ans a. The Judicial system provides a mechanism for resolving of disputes between citizens, between 
citizens and the govt, between two state govt’s and between the centre and state governments. 
b. The judiciary has the power to strike down particular laws passed by the Parliament if it believes that 
these are a violation of the basic structure of the constitution. 
c. Every citizen can approach the High Court or the Supreme court if they believe that their Fundamental 
rights have been violated. 
3 
21 What are dowry deaths? Enumerate the provisions made for combating this problem. 
Ans7. Dowry death-Death of young women who are murdered or driven to suicide by continous harassment 
and torture. 
a. For combating this problem anti dowry proposal was kept before Supreme court in 1996-97. 
b. A law was passed in 2006 to protect women against domestic violence. 
3 
22 What is Sustainable development? State the principles of Sustainable development. 
Ans: Balancing the need to use resources and also to conserve them for future is called sustainable 
development. 
The principles of sustainable development are: 
5 
Page 5


VIII B 1 OF 2 
 
 
 
Date:                            Class: VIII 
Time:3 hrs                                      Social Science                         M.M:90 
General Instructions: 
1. All the questions are compulsory 
2. Read the question paper carefully. 
3. Attempt all parts of a question together. 
4.  Questions from serial numbers. 1 to 9 are 1 mark question. 
5. Questions 10 to 21  are 3 marks questions 
6. Question 22 to 29 are 5 marks each 
7. Map question carrries 5 marks. 
 
1 Is soil a renewable or non renewable resource?  
1 
2 Name any two animals threatened due to poaching. 
 
1 
3 What do you understand by “buried sunshine”? 
 
1 
4  Define the term ‘Musket’ in your own words. 
  
1 
5 Name any two areas annexed by the British under their annexation policy. 
 
1 
6 For whom was the term ‘ryots’ used?   
 
1 
7 Give an example of discrimination, exclusion and persecution on the grounds of religion. 
 
1 
8 State the meaning of Universal Adult Franchise. 
 
1 
9 Under which article is Right to Life included?  
 
1 
10 Identify the resources on the basis of their distribution and explain each one of them. 
 
3 
11 “The distribution of population is uneven in different parts of the world”- Justify the statement. 
 
3 
12 ‘Minerals are precious, they need to be conserved’. In the light of given statement suggest few 
ways to conserve mineral resources? 
 3 
13 Name the Indian ruler who took part in the Battle of Buxar? Write in brief the outcome of the 
battle. 
1+2=3 
14  `After the setup of the East India Company in 1651 there was a constant conflict between the 
East India Company and the Nawabs of Bengal’. Justify the given statement.   
3 
VIII B 2 OF 2 
 
 
15 Explain the benefits reaped by the East India Company through Diwani. 
 
3 
16 Give a brief description of the Mahalwari System. 
 
3 
17 State the over ambitious imperialist policies followed by the British before May 1857 . 
 
3 
18 “The Indian Constitution mandates the Indian State to be secular’. Justify the statement. 
 
3 
19 ‘Parliament is the most important symbol of Indian democracy’. Justify the statement. 
 
 3 
20 Discuss the important role of Judiciary. 
 
3 
21 What are dowry deaths? Enumerate the provisions made for combating this problem. 
 
1+2=3 
22 What is Sustainable development? Enlist the principles of Sustainable development. 
 
1+4=5 
23 Suggest few of the measures to conserve soil resources. 
 
5 
24 State the various ways in which minerals can be useful to us. 
 
 5 
25 ‘The Indian sepoys were discontented under the East India Company.’ Highlight the reasons in 
your own words. 
 
5 
26 Describe the ways adopted by the Company to suppress the revolt of 1857.What values to the 
Indian people does Rani Lakshmibai’s valour impart? 
 
4+1=5 
27 ‘The Indian state keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion.’ Justify the 
statement by giving suitable points. 
 
5 
28 Compare and contrast between the State Legislative Assembly and the Lok Sabha. 5 
29 Recall and write about the significance of Public Interest Litigation. 
 
5 
30 On a political map of India locate the following important centers of Freedom movement:  
1. Surat 
2. Meerut 
2 
31 On the same political map of India locate the following: 
1. Raniganj coal mine 
2.  A region of Tropical thorn vegetation 
3. A major region of alluvial soil. 
3 
 
 
 
 
1 
 
 
 
 
 
Answer Key 
 
  
Date of Exam:                               Class: VIII 
 
Subject: Social Science 
Instructions: 
 
 
1 Is soil a renewable or non renewable resource? 
Ans: renewable 
       
1 
2  Name any two animals threatened due to poaching. 
 Ans: black buck, tiger, lion, snow leapord, crocodile, rhinoceros. (any2) 
1 
3 Define the term “buried sunshine”? 
Ans: Coal is referred to as buried sunshine because of the following reasons: 
1) It produces energy. 2) It is buried under the layers of the earth. 
1 
4 Define the term ‘Musket’ in your words. 
 A heavy gun used by infantry soldiers. 
1 
5 Name any two areas annexed by the British under their annexation policy. 
Udaipur , Nagpur, Jhansi,Sambalpur,Satara. 
1 
6 For whom was the term ‘ryots’ used?   
Ans: The term ‘ryots’ was used for the cultivators. 
1 
7 Give an example of discrimination, exclusion and persecution on the grounds of religion. 
A1. Jews were persecuted in Hitler’s Germany/ In Saudi Arabia non muslims are not allowed to build a 
temple, church etc.   
1 
8 State the meaning of Universal Adult Franchise? 
A2. U.A.F allows all adult citizens of the country the right to vote. 
1 
9 Under which article is Right to Life included?  
Ans. Artcle 21 of the Indian Constitution is ‘Right to Life. 
1 
10 Identify the resources on the basis of their distribution and explain them. 
Ans: Ubiquitous and Localised  
 
 
 
 
 
(2marks)                                               
Ubiquitous resource Localized resource 
A resource which is found 
everywhere 
A resource which is 
found only in certain 
places 
Example: The air we 
breathe 
Example: Copper, iron-
ore 
1+
2= 
3 
11 
 
“The distribution of population is uneven in different parts of the world”- Justify the statement. 
Ans: 1. The uneven distribution of population in different parts of the world is mainly due to varied 
characteristics of land and climate.  
2. Sparsely populated regions:- The rugged topography, steep slopes of the mountains, low lying areas 
suspectible to water logging, desert areas thick forested areas are normally sparsely populated or uninhabited. 
3. Densely populated regions:- Plains and river valleys offer suitable land for agriculture. 
Hence, these are the densely populated areas of the world. 
3 
12 ‘Minerals are precious, they need to be conserved’. In the light of given statement suggest few ways to 
conserve minerals 
Ans: Minerals can be conserved by the following ways :-  
1) Reduce wastage in the process of mining.  
2) Recycling of metals.  
3) Export of minerals should be minimum.  
4) To save the minerals their substitute should be used. 
3
13 Name the Indian ruler who took part in the Battle of Buxar? Write in brief the outcome of the battle. 
Ans: 
3 
2 
 
 i)  The Nawab of Bengal Mir Qasim fought against the East India Company. 
  ii) Mir Qasim was defeated in the Battle of Buxar. 
iii) Mir Qasim was driven out of Bengal and Mir Jafar was reinstalled, who died the next year, i.e. 1765. 
iv) The company now began to exploit the vast revenue resources of Bengal. 
14 “After the set up of the East India Company in 1651 there was a constant conflict between the East India 
Company and the Nawabs of Bengal.” Justify the given statement.   
Ans:  
i) The Bengal Nawabs asserted their power and autonomy and refused to grant the company concessions. 
ii) They demanded large tributes for the Company’s right to trade. 
iii) They denied the Company any right to mint coins. 
iv) The Nawabs stopped the Company from extending its fortifications. 
3 
15 Explain the benefits reaped by the East India Company through Diwani. 
Ans: The Mughal emperor, in 1765, appointed the company as the Diwan of the provinces of Bengal. 
i) The Diwani allowed the Company to exploit the vast revenue resources of Bengal. 
ii) The overflow of gold and silver from Britain stopped after the assumption of Diwani. Now   revenue 
from India could finance Company expenses. 
iii) These revenues they used to purchase cotton, silk textiles in India, maintain troops and meet the cost of 
building the Company fort and offices at Calcutta. 
3 
16 Give a brief description of the Mahalwari System. 
Ans:  
i) The Mahalwari system was devised by an Englishman called Holt Mackenzie which came into effect in 
1822. 
ii) He felt that villages needed to be preserved. 
iii) Under his directions collectors went from village to village inspecting the land , measuring the fields etc. 
iv) The village headman was given the charge of collecting the revenue and paying to the Company. 
 
 3 
17 The over ambitious imperialist policies followed by  the British rulers  before May1857were: 
i)  Since the mid-18
th
 century Nawabs and Rajas had gradually lost their authority and honour. 
ii) Residents had been stationed in many courts, the freedom of the rulers reduced, their armed forces 
disbanded and their revenues and territories taken away by stages. 
iii) The Company decided to end the Mughal dynasty. In 1849, Governor-General Dalhousie announced that 
after the death of Bahadur Shah Zafar the family of the king would be shifted out of the Red Fort. 
iv) In 1856 Governor-General Canning decided that Bahadur Shah would be the last Mughal ruler. 
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18 “The Indian Constitution mandates the Indian State to be secular’. Justify the statement. 
a. that one religious community does not dominate another. 
b. that some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community. 
c. that the State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals. 
 
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19 ‘Parliament is the most important symbol of Indian democracy’. Justify the statement. 
A4. a. The Parliament which is made up of representative together, controls and guides the government. 
b. Parliament is a supreme legislative body. 
c.  It is a forum of debate and discussions and holds the government for its actions. 
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20 Discuss the important role of Judiciary. 
Ans a. The Judicial system provides a mechanism for resolving of disputes between citizens, between 
citizens and the govt, between two state govt’s and between the centre and state governments. 
b. The judiciary has the power to strike down particular laws passed by the Parliament if it believes that 
these are a violation of the basic structure of the constitution. 
c. Every citizen can approach the High Court or the Supreme court if they believe that their Fundamental 
rights have been violated. 
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21 What are dowry deaths? Enumerate the provisions made for combating this problem. 
Ans7. Dowry death-Death of young women who are murdered or driven to suicide by continous harassment 
and torture. 
a. For combating this problem anti dowry proposal was kept before Supreme court in 1996-97. 
b. A law was passed in 2006 to protect women against domestic violence. 
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22 What is Sustainable development? State the principles of Sustainable development. 
Ans: Balancing the need to use resources and also to conserve them for future is called sustainable 
development. 
The principles of sustainable development are: 
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3 
 
 
23 Suggest few of the measures to conserve soil resources. 
Ans: 1) Mulching: The bare ground between plants is covered with a layer of organic matter like straw. It 
helps to retain soil moisture. 
2) Contour barriers: Stones, grass, soil are used to build barriers along contours. Trenches are made in front 
of the barriers to collect water. 
3) Rock dam: Rocks are piled up to slow down the flow of water. This prevents gullies and further soil loss. 
4) Terrace farming: These are made on the steep slopes so that flat surfaces are available to grow crops. 
They can reduce surface run-off and soil erosion. 
5) Intercropping: Different crops are grown in alternate rows and are sown at different times to protect the 
soil from rain wash. 
6) Contour ploughing:-Ploughing parallel to the contours of a hill slope to form a natural barrier for water to 
flow down the slope. 
7) Shelter belts: In the coastal and dry regions, rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement to 
protect soil cover. 
 
 
 
 
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24 State the ways in which minerals can be useful to us. 
Ans: 1) Iron ore is used for manufacturing of machines, agriculture implements and items of general use.  
2) Minerals which are used for gems are usually hard. These are then set in various styles for jewellery.  
3) Copper is another metal used in everything from coins to pipes.  
4) Silicon, used in the computer industry is obtained from quartz.  
5) Aluminum obtained from its ore bauxite is used in automobiles and airplanes, bottling industry, buildings 
and even in kitchen cookware.  
6) Mica is used in electrical and electronic industries.  
7) Manganese ore is used for making iron, steel and preparing alloys. 
5 
25 The Indian sepoys were discontent under the East India Company.’ Highlight the reasons in your own 
words. 
Ans: Reasons for the discontentment of the  sepoys were: 
i) The sepoys were given poor salaries and allowances. 
ii) The condition of the service also made them unhappy. 
iii) Some of the rules even violated their religious sentiments and beliefs. 
iv) Sepoys who refused to go to Burma by the sea because of their beliefs were given severe punishment. 
v) In 1856 the Company passed a new law which stated that every new person who took up employment in 
the Company’s army had to agree to serve oversees if required. 
vi) Many of the sepoys were peasants whose families were living in villages. So the anger of the villagers 
over high taxes quickly spread among the sepoys as well 
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26 Describe the ways adopted by the Company to suppress the revolt of 1857.What values to the Indian people 
Rani Lakshmibai’s valour impart? 
i) The Company decided to suppress the revolt with all its might. It brought reinforcements from England, 
passed new laws so that the rebels could be convicted with ease. 
ii) Delhi was recaptured from the rebel forces in September 1857. 
iii) The last Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar was tried in court and sentenced to life imprisonment. 
iv) The British fought for two years to suppress the massive forces of popular rebellion. 
v) The British took Lucknow in 1858. Rani Lakshmibai was defeated and killed in June 1858. 
Values: Like Rani Lakshmibai we too should be brave and should have love for our motherland. 
4+
1=
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27 ‘The Indian state, keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion.’ Justify the statement by 
giving suitable points. 
In Indian Secularism the State can intervene in religious affairs for e.g.  Indian Constitution intervened in 
Hindu religious practices in order to abolish untouchability. 
 b. In Indian secularism any interference in religion by the state has to be based on the ideals laid out in the 
constitution. 
c. Law has nothing to say in any of the religions practices but when the dominance of upper castes in 
religion was brought to question the law took favour of the lower caste. 
d. Laws explain a concept of religion in a very different way., but people interpret it differently. 
e. In a secular state law has nothing to say in any of the religious practices. 
f. The state is intervening in religion in order to end a social practice that it believes isolates the 
Fundamental rights of the lower caste. 
g.It respects the sentiments of all religions and makes certain exceptions for particular religious 
communities. 
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