Specimen Paper

Right to Freedom is a cluster of six essential freedoms and their protection. But the State can make laws to impose limitations on these rights. Which of the following can be a limitation?

1. No one can displace tribal communities and settle in their territory despite the right to settle in any part of the country.
2. The government can prescribe certain minimum educational qualifications for entry into a job.
3. No person can be deprived of his/her life and liberty.
4. All of them.

Answer

All of them

Reason — The Right to Freedom is not absolute and is subject to reasonable restrictions. The State can restrict settlement to protect scheduled tribe interests, mandate professional or educational qualifications for employment, and deprive life or liberty strictly via "procedure established by law.

Which of the following statements about the elections in India are correct?

(P): An election held for a particular seat or seats to fill a vacant seat for the remaining period of an elected body is called Mid-Term Election.

(Q): The elections held to elect the members of the Lok Sabha after the expiry of its normal term are called General Elections.

(R): The President of India is elected indirectly by the members of an Electoral College comprising the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament only.

(S): The election to Upper Houses at the Union and the State level is indirect.

1. P and Q
2. P and R
3. Q and S
4. P and S

Answer

Q and S

Reason — Statements Q and S are correct because elections held after the Lok Sabha completes its normal five-year term are called General Elections, and the elections to the Upper Houses at both the Union level and State level are indeed indirect. Conversely, statement P is incorrect because an election held to fill a vacant seat for the remaining duration of a term is called a By-Election, and statement R is incorrect because the President's Electoral College includes the elected members of both Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies, rather than Parliament alone.

Given below are details of a few Indian citizens.

Select the person who fulfils the eligibility criteria to become a member of the local self-government institutions in rural and urban areas.

1. W
2. X
3. Y
4. Z

Answer

W

Reason — To be eligible for local self-government institutions (Panchayats and Municipalities), a candidate must be at least 21 years old and a registered voter. Candidate W satisfies these requirements, whereas X is disqualified due to financial insolvency, Y is disqualified for holding an office of profit, and Z is underage (minimum age is 21, not 20).

For how long a person detained under Preventive Detention can be kept in custody without trial?

1. For three days
2. For three weeks
3. For three months
4. For three years

Answer

For three months

Reason — Under Article 22(4) of the Indian Constitution, a person can be kept under preventive detention for a maximum period of three months without trial. Extending the detention beyond this period requires approval from an Advisory Board consisting of judges of a High Court (or persons qualified to be appointed as such).

............... are the in-charge of polling booths and counting centres at the time of elections.

1. Polling Officers
2. Returning Officers
3. Presiding Officers
4. Designated Officers.

Answer

Presiding Officers

Reason — A Presiding Officer is the in-charge of an individual polling booth, managing the voting process on election day.

Uttar Pradesh: 403 Legislators :: Sikkim : ............... Legislators.

1. 103
2. 93
3. 40
4. 32

Answer

32

Reason — This analogy compares the total number of seats (legislators) in the State Legislative Assemblies. While Uttar Pradesh has the largest assembly in India with 403 seats, Sikkim has the smallest with 32 seats.

Read the two statements given below and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B).

(A) Hinayana sect does not believe that Buddha was God.

(B) Mahayana sect believes that Buddha was an incarnation of God.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false.
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other.

Answer

(A) and (B) are independent of each other

Reason — Both statements are accurate historical facts regarding the split in Buddhism, but they represent independent ideological developments.

Which of the following was NOT a trading coastal town of the Indus Valley Civilisation?

1. Balakot
2. Banawali
3. Lothal
4. Surkotada

Answer

Banawali

Reason — Banawali is an inland archaeological site located in the Hisar district of Haryana, far from the coast. In contrast, Balakot, Lothal, and Surkotada were key coastal or port towns actively involved in the Indus Valley Civilization's maritime trade networks.

The Bhagwad Gita forms a part of which of the following?

1. Rig Veda
2. Yajur Veda
3. Mahabharata
4. Ramayana

Answer

Mahabharata

Reason — The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture of the epic Mahabharata.

With respect to source of wealth complete the following:
Early Vedic Age: Cattle :: Later Vedic Age : ...............

1. Land
2. Jewellery
3. Cows
4. Coins

Answer

Land

Reason — During the Early Vedic Age, the economy was pastoral and nomadic, making cattle the primary measure of wealth. In the Later Vedic Age, society transitioned to a settled agricultural economy, making land the chief source of wealth and economic power.

The landed aristocrats, who cultivated wetlands during the Sangam Age were called ............... .

1. Kadasiyar
2. Adimai
3. Vellalars
4. Marutam

Answer

Vellalars

Reason — During the Sangam Age, the Vellalars were the wealthy, landed agriculturists who controlled and cultivated the fertile wetlands. In contrast, Kadasiyar and Adimai represented lower-class laborers and bonded slaves.

Who, among the following, visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II?

1. Fa-hien
2. Hiuen Tsang
3. I-tsing
4. None of the above.

Answer

Fa-hien

Reason — The Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-hien travelled to India during the reign of Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II (around 399–412 CE) to collect authentic Buddhist texts.

Who was the founder of the Slave dynasty?

1. Iltutmish
2. Ruknuddin
3. Qutubuddin Aibak
4. Muhammad Ghori

Answer

Qutubuddin Aibak

Reason — Qutubuddin Aibak founded the Slave Dynasty in 1206 CE after the death of his master, Muhammad Ghori.

A new faith promulgated by Akbar was known as ............... .

1. Sulh-kul
2. Mahzar
3. Ibadat
4. Din-i-Illahi

Answer

Din-i-Illahi

Reason — Akbar promulgated Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith) in 1582 CE, blending ethical principles from various religions like Hinduism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity.

Kabir : Bijak :: Namdev : ...............

1. Amritanubhava
2. Padavali
3. Abhangas
4. Shabda

Answer

Abhangas

Reason — The Marathi saint-poet Namdev is widely celebrated for composing Abhangas.

Which of the following was NOT a change associated with the Industrial Revolution?

1. Production by machines
2. Wages to the employees for their labour
3. Large scale production of goods
4. Domestic system of production.

Answer

Domestic system of production.

Reason — The Industrial Revolution replaced the old domestic system of production with the factory system, which relied on power-driven machinery, centralized large-scale manufacturing, and wage labour.

State any two ways in which the script of the Indus Valley Civilization provides us with valuable historical information.

Answer

Two ways in which the script of the Indus Valley Civilization provides us with valuable historical information are:

1. The Indus script indicates that the script was pictographic as it uses signs of birds, fishes and humans.
2. Although not yet deciphered, the script is found inscribed on a number of seals, copper tools, rims of jar, copper and terracotta tablets, jewellery and on an ancient signboard. This indicates that the Harappan civilisation was an advanced urban civilisation.

Name the Epics written during the Later Vedic Period.

Answer

The Epics written during the Later Vedic Period are:

1. Ramayana
2. Mahabharata

List any two sources of information about the Mauryan Empire.

Answer

Two sources of information about the Mauryan Empire are:

1. Arthashastra of Kautilya
2. Indika

What are Megaliths?

Answer

The Megaliths are box-like structures erected with the stone slabs, resting on each other without any mortar. Sometimes there was an opening cut into one of the sides. Some megaliths are seen on surface while some are underground with stone circles or boulders placed on surface to serve as signpost to find the burial site.

State any two architectural features of Qutub Minar.

Answer

Two architectural features of Qutub Minar are:

1. It has five storeys tapering as they ascend. Each storey is separated from the other by projecting balcony.
2. The Minar is a circular tower about 13.8 metres in diameter at the base and tapers to the width of around 3 metres at the summit. It has a circular stairway of 379 steps leading to the top.

Mention any two reasons to state that the decline of Feudalism led to the rise of the Renaissance.

Answer

Two reasons to state that the decline of Feudalism led to the rise of the Renaissance are:

1. The decline of Feudalism provided an impetus to free thinking.
2. The peace and freedom that prevailed after the decline of feudalism favoured the growth of New learning.

Define the term Industrial Revolution.

Answer

The term Industrial Revolution denotes all those changes that took place in the field of industry during the second half of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century.

With reference to the salient features of the Indian Constitution answer the following questions:

(i) Define the term 'Constitution'. State any two reasons for its significance.

(ii) State any three freedoms given under the 'Right to Freedom'.

(iii) Mention any two differences between the Fundamental Rights and Directive principles of State Policy.

Answer

(i) A constitution is a comprehensive document detailing citizens rights and duties and the framework for national governance. It defines, regulates, and establishes the relationships between the three branches of government: the legislature, executive, and judiciary.

Two reasons for its significance are:

1. Smooth governance — It moderates relation between the government and the governed.
2. Welfare of citizens — It protects the interests of the citizens by restraining the government from taking arbitrary decisions.

(ii) Three freedoms given under the 'Right to Freedom' are:

1. Freedom of speech and expression.
2. Freedom to assemble peacefully without arms.
3. Freedom to form associations and unions.

(iii) Two differences between the Fundamental Rights and Directive principles of State Policy are:

Elections play a very significant role in our Indian Democracy. In the light of this statement, answer the following questions:

(i) State the composition of the Election Commission.

(ii) Under what circumstances can a 'By-election' be held?

(iii) Explain the terms 'General Election' and 'Mid-term Election'.

Answer

(i) The Election Commission consists of three members — a chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners.

(ii) When a seat held by any member of the Legislative Assembly in the Centre or State falls vacant on account of death or resignation of the member before completion of his/her term, to fill up this vacancy By-Election is held.

(iii) General Election — The Elections held to elect the members of the Lok Sabha after expiry of the normal term of five years are called the General Elections.

Mid-Term Elections — This type of election is held when a State Legislative Assembly or the Lok Sabha is dissolved before the completion of its full term (5 years).

The State Legislative Assembly forms an integral part of the law-making aspect of the State. In this context, answer the following questions:

(i) What are the legislative powers of the Legislative Assembly?

(ii) State any three financial powers of the Legislative Assembly.

(iii) State any two differences between unicameral and bicameral legislatures.

Answer

(i) The State Legislature is competent to make laws on:

1. Matters in the State List
2. Matters in the Concurrent List.

(ii) Three financial powers of the Legislative Assembly are:

1. The Budget: The State Legislature passes the State Budget, which contains the estimates of receipts and expenditure of the State Government.
2. Permission for Taxes: No tax can be imposed or money expended by the State Government without the approval of the State Legislature.
3. Fixing of Salaries: Members of the Legislative Assemblies and the Legislative Councils receive such salaries and allowances as may be determined by the State Legislature from time to time.

(iii)

With reference to the Bhakti Movement, Sufism and Christianity, answer the following questions:

(i) Mention any three principles of Bhakti cult.

(ii) State the significance of Sufism on Indian society.

(iii) State any two contributions of St. Francis Xavier in the advancement of Christianity in India.

Answer

(i) Three principles of the Bhakti cult are:

1. There is only one God, who may be worshipped under many names.
2. Sincere devotion (bhakti) and love for God, along with good deeds, is the only means to attain salvation.
3. All human beings are equal before God; the Bhakti saints rejected caste distinctions and the supremacy of the priestly class.

(ii) The significance of Sufism on Indian society:

1. It fostered the feelings of Hindu-Muslim unity.
2. Many principles of Sufism were similar to those of the Bhakti cult. It lead to the popularity of the Bhakti movement.
3. Sufism played a great role in promoting feelings of tolerance among the rulers.
4. People, irrespective of their religion, began to understand and appreciate others' faith.
5. Sufism made its influence on the poets like Amir Khusro and Malik Mohammed Jayasi.

(iii) Two contributions of St. Francis Xavier in the advancement of Christianity in India are:

1. He sent Missionaries to the principal centres of India to promote Christianity.
2. He worked relentlessly for ten years in India and preached the essentials of Christianity. He brought out a manual of Grammar and a vocabulary which helped other Missionaries to learn the language of people of Malabar.

(i) State any three social changes that came about in the Later Vedic period in relation to the position of women.

(ii) State any three occupations that existed during the Vedic Age.

(iii) Mention any two similarities in the teachings of Jainism and Buddhism.

Answer

(i) Three social changes that came about in the Later Vedic period in relation to the position of women are:

1. Their participation in Yajnas was not considered necessary.
2. They did not enjoy the right to property.
3. The freedom to choose husbands by women was curtailed.

(ii) Three occupations that existed during the Vedic Age are:

1. Agriculture
2. Weaving
3. Carpentry

(iii) Two similarities in the teachings of Jainism and Buddhism are:

1. Both sought the attainment of salvation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
2. Both did not accept the Vedas

With reference to the Modern Age in Europe, answer the following questions:

(i) How did the invention of the Printing Press lead to the rise of the Renaissance in Europe?

(ii) State any three contributions of Martin Luther in reforming the Church in Europe.

(iii) Mention any two differences between 'Capitalism' and 'Socialism'.

Answer

(i) In the Middle Ages, books were few and they were beyond the reach of the ordinary people. The Printing Press enabled Europe to multiply books and put them within the reach of people. Printing and distribution of books influenced people's attitude to life and brought about a new awakening in Europe and hence the rise of the Renaissance in Europe.

(ii) The contribution of Martin Luther in reforming the church in Europe were following:

1. Luther translated the Bible into German and set up an independent church.
2. He traveled extensively to different parts of Europe, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The Protestant movement found wide acceptance.
3. Lutheranism was recognised as a legal form of Christianity by a treaty known as 'The Peace of Augsburg' in 1555.

(iii) Two differences between 'Capitalism' and 'Socialism' are:

Study the Picture given below and answer the following questions:

(i) Identify the structure given above. Where is it located?

(ii) State its significance as a source of information about the Harappan Civilization.

(iii) Explain its importance as a scientific marvel for maritime trade.

Answer

(i) The structure given above is a dockyard. It is located at Lothal.

(ii) The Lothal dockyard highlights the Harappan Civilization's advanced maritime trade, hydraulics, and engineering. Enclosed by a massive baked-brick wall for flood protection, its sophisticated design utilized tides for overseas commerce. This reveals that the Harappans possessed deep seafaring capabilities and maintained extensive trade relations with foreign countries.

(iii) The dockyard at Lothal is indeed a scientific marvel, especially considering the time it was built.

• The Harappans’ understanding of tides and hydraulics, as evidenced by the dockyard’s design, was far ahead of its time. This knowledge was crucial for the operation of the dock and the safe sailing of ships.
• The dockyard allowed the Harappans to engage in large-scale, long-distance trade.
• It provides valuable insights into the shipbuilding technology and craftsmanship of the people of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• The dockyard, including a basin connected to a river channel, would have facilitated the movement of goods and maintained trade links with distant lands.

With reference to the impact of the Renaissance in the field of literature, Art and Science, state the contributions of:

(i) Leonardo da Vinci in the field of Art.

(ii) William Shakespeare in the field of Literature.

(iii) Copernicus in the field of Astronomy.

Answer

(i) Leonardo Da Vinci — Leonardo Da Vinci was a great painter, sculpture, musician and a scientist. Da Vinci's interests ranged far beyond fine arts. He studied nature, mechanics, anatomy, physics, architecture and weaponry. He saw science and art as complementary rather than distinct disciplines, and thought that ideas formulated in one realm could, and should, inform the other. He spent a great deal of time immersing himself in nature, testing scientific laws, dissecting bodies (human and animals) and thinking and writing about his observations. In the early 1490s, Da Vinci started documenting about four broad themes — painting, architecture, mechanics and human anatomy. He created thousands of pages of neatly drawn illustrations. His paintings of the 'Virgin of the Rocks', 'The Last Supper' and 'Mona Lisa' are great masterpieces of art.

(ii) William Shakespeare — He was an english poet, playwright and actor who is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English Language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the 'Bard of Avon'. He wrote 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems and a few other verses. His first plays were mostly historical dramas like Richard II, Henry VI and Henry V with the exception of Romeo and Juliet. In his early period, he wrote comedies like A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It and Twelfth Night. After 1600, he wrote tragedies like Hamlet, King Lear, Othello and Macbeth. William Shakespeare's work transcends culture and history. He appeals to emotions and thoughts that are a part of eternal human nature and therefore, have a universal appeal.

(iii) Copernicus — Nicolaus Copernicus was a mathematician and astronomer. He formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than the Earth at the centre of the universe. The publication of this model in his book 'De revolutionibus orbium celestium' (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres), just before his death in 1543, is regarded as a major event in the history of science, triggering the Copernican Revolution. He introduced the Heliocentric theory. This also led to a series of discoveries by scientists like John Kepler, Galileo and Isaac Newton.