Maximum Marks: 80
Time: 3 Hours
General Instructions:
(i) The question paper consists of 34 questions divided into five sections: A, B, C, D and E.
(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 30 are short-answer questions, carrying 4 marks each.
(vi) Section D: Questions 31 to 32 are short-answer questions, carrying 5 marks each.
(vii) Section E: Question 33 Case Based Question, carrying 5 marks and Question 34 : Map Based Question, carrying 4 marks.
(viii) Write answers neatly and legibly.
Syllabus: Geographical Diversity of India, Understanding the Weather, Climates of India, New Beginnings: Cities and States, The Rise of Empires, The Age of Reorganisation, The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity, How the Land Becomes Sacred, From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments, The Constitution of India: An Introduction, From Barter to Money, Understanding Markets.
Section A
Q1. What is the layer of the Earth's atmosphere closest to the surface where most weather phenomena occur? (1 Mark)
a) Stratosphere
b) Troposphere
c) Ozone Layer
d) Mesosphere
Q2.Which instrument is used to measure atmospheric pressure? (1 Mark)
a) Thermometer
b) Rain gauge
c) Barometer
d) Anemometer
Q3. In which season does the Indian subcontinent receive rainfall from the southwest monsoon? (1 Mark)
a) Winter
b) Spring
c) Summer
d) Autumn
Q4. Who founded the Śhunga dynasty after assassinating the last Maurya emperor? (1 Mark)
a) Kanishka
b) Kharavela
c) Pushyamitra Śhunga
d) Gautamiputra Satakarni
Q5. Which Gupta ruler is praised in the Prayaga Prashasti for his military achievements? (1 Mark)
a) Chandragupta I
b) Samudragupta
c) Chandragupta II
d) Aryabhata
Q6. What is the primary function of a constitution? (1 Mark)
a) To outline the basic principles and laws of a nation
b) To list daily weather predictions
c) To describe ancient trade routes
d) To explain market prices
Q7. Which factor primarily determines the temperature decrease with increasing altitude? (1 Mark)
a) Increased wind speed
b) Decreased atmospheric pressure and air density
c) Proximity to the sea
d) Latitude changes
Q8. Which dynasty in south India is associated with the Sangam literature? (1 Mark)
a) Guptas
b) Shungas
c) Cholas, Cheras, and Pandya
d) Kushanas
Q9. In which type of government do a few powerful people rule? (1 Mark)
(a) Democracy
(b) Monarchy
(c) Oligarchy
(d) Republic
Q10. What was used as a medium of exchange before coins were introduced? (1 Mark)
(a) Paper notes
(b) Goods and services
(c) Gold bars
(d) Digital currency
Q11. Which place is considered sacred for Buddhists? (1 Mark)
(a) Varanasi
(b) Bodh Gaya
(c) Amritsar
(d) Tirupati
Q12. Which region in India is known for its heavy rainfall and lush greenery? (1 Mark)
(a) Thar Desert
(b) Western Ghats
(c) Gangetic Plains
(d) Himalayan Foothills
Q13. Who was the Mauryan emperor known for his policy of Dhamma? (1 Mark)
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Ashoka
(d) Samudra gupta
Q14. In a republic, who elects the representatives? (1 Mark)
(a) The king
(b) The citizens
(c) The priests
(d) The military
Q15. What is a major limitation of the barter system? (1 Mark)
(a) Lack of technology
(b) Need for double coincidence of wants
(c) Use of coins
(d) High transaction speed
Section B
Q16. Define weather and name its five elements. (2 Marks)
Q17. Explain the difference between weather and climate. (2 Marks)
Q18. What is the role of the Western Ghats in India's monsoon? (2 Marks)
Q19. Who was Pushyamitra Shunga, and what did he do? (2 Marks)
Q20. What is meant by the term 'geographical diversity' in the context of India? (2 Marks)
Q21. Name two rivers that contribute to the fertility of the Indo-Gangetic Plains. (2 Marks)
Q22. What is the barter system? Give one example. (2 Marks)
Section C (4 marks each)
Q23. Describe how temperature is measured and explain two statistics derived from it. (4 Marks)
Q24. Explain the factors determining climate in India with examples. (4 Marks)
Q25. Discuss the Satavahana contributions to art and trade. (4 Marks)
Q26. How did the Gupta Empire expand under Samudragupta? (4 Marks)
Q27. Explain the role of the Western Ghats in influencing India's climate. (4 Marks)
Q28. Why are certain rivers considered sacred in Indian culture? Explain with an example. (4 Marks)
Q29. How did the use of coins improve trade in ancient India? (4 Marks)
Q30. Explain the impact of the Thar Desert on the lifestyle of people in Rajasthan. (4 Marks)
Section D
Q31. Discuss the instruments used to measure weather elements, with one example each. (5 Marks)
Q32. Discuss the major geographical features of India and their significance in shaping its culture. (5 Marks)
Section E
Q33. Case Based Question ( 5 Marks)Vikram and Anjali are studying the development of iron metallurgy in ancient India for their history project. Vikram is fascinated by how the use of iron helped shape the progress of Indian society. He wonders about the role of iron in improving people's daily lives. Anjali explains that iron tools made farming much easier and more efficient, leading to better harvests. The increased food production supported a growing population. She goes on to explain how iron weapons made defense stronger, which allowed kingdoms to expand and protect their territories. This, in turn, encouraged trade across regions because people felt safer traveling and exchanging goods. The rise of iron metallurgy also led to the creation of new technologies, like the plough and improved tools for construction and craftsmanship. Together, these advancements helped ancient India grow and develop economically and socially.
i. How did iron help ancient Indian societies grow?
ii. Why is iron still important today?
iii. How did iron lead to more trade in ancient India?
iv. What are some modern uses of iron?
v. What was iron mainly used for in ancient India?
A) Coins
B) Weapons and tools
C) Clothing
D) Jewellery
Q.34: Map Based Question (4 Marks)
i. On the physical map, locate and outline the Peninsular Plateau.
ii. Name one river that originates in the Peninsular Plateau and flows into the Bay of Bengal.
iii. Locate and mark the Lakshadweep Islands and Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the physical map.