Sample Question Paper Class 7 Social Studies Set 3 (Solutions)

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.
(iv) Section B: Questions 16 to 22 are very 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 long-answer questions, carrying 5 marks each.
(vii) Section E: Question 33 is Case Based (5 marks) and Question 34 is Map Based (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. The Story of Indian Farming; India and Her Neighbours; Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries; Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries; India, a Home to Many; The State, the Government, and You; Infrastructure: Engine of India's Development; and Banks and the Magic of Finance.

Section A (1 Mark Each)

The terms kharif, rabi, and zaid are of Arabic origin and have been used since Mughal times.

Soil is a complex ecosystem consisting of minerals, organic matter (humus), water, air, and organisms like bacteria and fungi.

Bhutan is a small, landlocked Himalayan kingdom nestled between India and China.

The Paśhupatinātha temple is a major Hindu pilgrimage site in Nepal.

The peninsula projects deep into the Indian Ocean, aiding maritime trade.

Dantidurga overthrew the Chalukyas to establish Rashtrakuta rule.

Basaveshvara promoted equality and rejected caste distinctions.

Jayadeva's work celebrates devotion to Krishna.

The pass historically connected India with Central Asia.

The Siddis were brought to India as enslaved people.

The Preamble defines India as a Democratic Republic.

Panchayats and Municipalities form the third tier.

Jagadish Chandra Bose pioneered wireless technology.

It is India's largest highway project.

ATMs enable 24×7 cash withdrawal.

Section B (2 Marks Each)

Humus is dark organic matter formed from decayed plants and animals. It improves soil fertility, retains moisture, and provides nutrients essential for plant growth.

A maritime neighbour is a country connected by sea but not land. Sri Lanka is India's maritime neighbour.

The Hindu Shahis ruled parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan and resisted Ghaznavid invasions.

He introduced rules for zero and advanced algebraic equations.

Sovereignty is the supreme authority of a state to govern itself without external interference.

He believed in village self-rule where people govern their own local affairs.

National Savings Certificates and Kisan Vikas Patra.

Section C (4 Marks Each)

Banks in India offer different types of bank accounts to meet the financial needs of various individuals and institutions. A Savings Account is mainly opened by individuals to keep their money safe while earning interest on the deposited amount. A Current Account is generally used by businesspersons and traders because it allows frequent and large transactions without limits, though it usually does not provide interest. A Fixed Deposit Account involves depositing a lump sum of money for a fixed period, during which it earns a higher rate of interest, encouraging long-term savings. Additionally, Jan Dhan Accounts were introduced to promote financial inclusion by allowing people from economically weaker sections to open zero-balance accounts and access banking facilities.

Buddhism originated in India and gradually spread to many neighbouring regions through peaceful means such as teaching, travel, and trade. Indian monks and scholars travelled to countries like Sri Lanka, China, Tibet, and Southeast Asia, carrying Buddhist teachings, texts, and practices with them. Pilgrims from these regions also visited Indian centres of learning such as Nalanda and Bodh Gaya, strengthening cultural exchanges. These interactions helped build strong spiritual, cultural, and educational connections between India and its neighbours. As a result, Buddhism became a powerful bridge that linked India with other Asian civilizations.

Living Root Bridges are unique structures found in Meghalaya that are created by guiding the roots of rubber fig trees across rivers and streams. These bridges are eco-friendly, as they are grown naturally without harming the environment, and they become stronger as the roots mature over time. They are highly durable and can last for several hundred years, making them suitable for areas with heavy rainfall and frequent floods. Living Root Bridges also reflect the traditional knowledge and skills of local tribal communities. Thus, they represent an excellent example of sustainable development and harmony between humans and nature.

The Tripartite Struggle was a long-lasting power struggle among the Palas, Gurjara-Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas for control over the city of Kannauj. Kannauj was considered a symbol of political authority and economic prosperity because of its strategic location in the fertile Gangetic plains. Each dynasty tried repeatedly to capture and retain the city, leading to continuous conflicts over several decades. This prolonged struggle weakened all three powers both militarily and economically. As a result, North India became politically unstable and more vulnerable to future invasions.

Communication infrastructure includes facilities such as mobile networks, internet services, satellites, and communication towers that help people share information quickly and efficiently. It plays an important role in education by enabling online classes, digital libraries, and distance learning, especially in remote areas. Communication systems support business growth through e-commerce, digital payments, and global trade connections. They also improve governance by enabling e-governance services, online grievance systems, and public awareness campaigns. In addition, effective communication infrastructure helps in disaster management by providing early warnings and emergency alerts.

India is called a Democratic Republic because it combines the principles of democracy and republicanism. It is democratic because the people of India elect their representatives through free and fair elections, ensuring that power lies with the citizens. It is a republic because the head of the state, the President, is elected and not a hereditary ruler. The Constitution of India places limits on the powers of the government to protect citizens' rights. This system ensures equality before the law, accountability of leaders, and rule of law in the country.

A stock market is a place where shares of companies are bought and sold by investors. When people purchase shares, they become part-owners of the company and may earn profits in the form of dividends or price increases. Companies use the stock market to raise funds for expansion, development, and operations. The prices of shares change depending on the company's performance, market demand, and overall economic conditions. Thus, the stock market plays a vital role in economic growth.

India follows a three-tier system of government to ensure effective administration across the country. The Union Government is responsible for national matters such as defence, foreign policy, currency, and railways. The State Governments handle issues related to their states, including education, health services, agriculture, and law and order. The Local Government, which includes Panchayats in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas, deals with local issues like water supply, sanitation, roads, and street lighting. This system promotes decentralisation and ensures that governance reaches people at the grassroots level.

Section D (5 Marks Each)

Section E

Nepal, United Arab Emirates, France, or Mauritius.

On the map, mark Takshashila (modern-day Taxila) and Sanchi. What was its significance during this period?
Ans: 

Mark Takshashila in northwest India (modern-day Taxila, Pakistan). 
Significance: A renowned university where Kautilya taught, contributing to intellectual and strategic advancements that aided Chandragupta Maurya.