Economics

ECONOMICS
CHAPTER 1 DEVELOPMENT
1. What are the different questions that arise when we think about development of
countries?
The different questions that arise when we think about development of countries are
the following:
i. What are the essential things that we require?
ii. Can life be better for all?
iii. How should people live together?
iv. Can there be more equality?
2. What would be the development goals or aspirations of the land less rural
labourers?
i. Landless Labourers wanted more days of work and better wages.
ii. They wanted that local school should provide quality education to their children.
iii. They wanted to become leaders in the village. They do not want any social
discrimination.
3. Prove by giving examples that developmental aspirations are some times
conflicting each other.
i. Industrialists wanted more dams to get more electricity. On the other hand, tribal
people do not want more dams, which submerge their land and disrupt their life.
ii. A girl expects as much freedom and opportunity as her brother but the brother
may not like it.
4. State any two concepts of development goals.
i. Different persons can have different developmental goals.
ii. What may be the development for one may not be the development for the other.
5. What are the two types of development goals? ( What are the attributes that we
consider when we look at individual aspirations and goals?)
i. Money or material things: People wanted regular work, better wages, and decent
prices for their crops and thus wanted more income.
ii. Non material things: People wanted equal treatment, freedom, security, and respect
of others.
6. Why do people have different notions of development?
Life situation of people are different- they are born and brought up in different
situations. Their educational and spiritual thoughts will be different. Their
concept of life is different. So their notions of development will be different.
7. Give two examples where factors other than income are important aspects of our
lives.
i. People wanted equal treatment, freedom, security, and respect of others.
ii. A job with low income but offer regular employment will be more preferred than a
job with high pay with no job security.
iii. People desire friend ship. It plays an important role in their life style.
NM ISB - 7 2 -
8. Why is greater income to be considered as one of the important national goal of
development?
i. Countries with higher income are more developed than others with less income.
ii. More income means more of all things that human beings need. What ever people
like and should have, they will be able to get with greater income.
9. What is per capita income?
It is the average income of a citizen. It is calculated by dividing the total income of
the country by the population. The per capita income of an Indian is US$ 1340.4 per
annum in 2010 (in 2012 US$ 1530)
10. How did World Bank classify countries? What criterion did they use? What are
its limitations?
i. The World Bank classified countries in to High Income countries, Medium Income
countries and Low-Income countries.
ii. Countries with per capita income above US$ 12276 per annum in 2010 is
considered rich countries (US$ 12616 in 2012)
iii. Countries with per capita income between US$ 12276 and 1005 (in 2010) are
considered medium income countries.
iv. Countries with per capita income less than US$ 1005 (1035 in 2012) or less is
considered low income countries. ( In brackets, updated figures by NCERT is
given) ( Ignore it for 2015 exam )
v. They used per capita income as the criterion to classify countries.
Limitations of this criterion are the following:
a) Per capita income alone can’t bring development.
b) Even though per capita income of many countries is very high, it is noticed
that the standard of living of the people remained low.
11. Give three examples where an average is used for comparing situations. Or Why
do we use averages? What are the limitations to their use?
i. The per capita income or the average income is used to compare economic
development of countries.
ii. We use averages to identify and analyze performance level in different areas.
iii. It is used to compare different situations and to find out the strong and weak points.
iv. We use averages to make calculations easier and averages reveal general
performance level.
There are limitations to their use. Averages will not represent the actual performance.
When we take the average of similar performance or similar amount, it is meaningful.
However, when we calculate two extremes or a number of very low performances and
a very high performance, the average will not tell the exact situation.
12. Why do you think average income is an important criterion for development?
Explain.
i. Average income represents the total income of a country keeping in view of the
total population. If the average income is adequate to meet, the basic requirement
and other facilities that country is considered developed.
ii. More income means more of all things that human beings need. What ever people
like and should have, they will be able to get with greater income.
NM ISB - 7 3 -
13. Besides size of per capita income what other property of income is important in
comparing two or more societies?
i. Equal distribution of income is important in comparing two or more societies.
ii. Utilization effect( what for you use ) of income is also important.
14. Prove by giving examples that income itself is not a completely adequate
indicator of material goods and services that citizens were able to use.
i. The per capita income of Punjab and Kerala is Rs. 60746 and Rs. 59179 by the
year 2009-10 .
ii. Though the per capita income of Punjab was much higher than Kerala their infant
mortality rate is 34 and it is higher than 13 in Kerala and literacy rate is 76.68 % in
Punjab and 93.91 % in Kerala.
iii. Money cannot buy all the goods and services that we need to live well. It can not
buy a pollution free environment or ensure that we get unadulterated medicine.
15. In what respects is the criterion used by the UNDP for measuring development
different from the one used by the World Bank?
i. United Nations Development Programe used three criteria, life expectancy(health
status) , literacy rate and per capita income as the criteria to measure human
development where as World Bank used per capita income only as the criterion to
classify countries.
ii. The World Bank considered the economic aspect ie the average income only
whereas UNDP considered over all achievement in different aspects like health
status, educational achievements and average income to measure human
development.
16. What are the three components of Human Development Index? Or What are
attributes of regional or national developmental aspirations or goals?
I. Per capita income or the average income of a citizen. Per Capita Income is
calculated in dollars for all countries so that it can be compared. It is also done in a
way so that every dollar would buy the same amount of goods and services in any
country.
II. Life expectancy at birth denotes, as the name suggests, average expected length of
life of a person at the time of birth. Infant Mortality Rate or the number of children
dying before the age of one year per thousand births.
III. Gross Enrolment Ratio or literacy rate for three levels means enrolment ratio for
primary school, secondary school and higher education beyond secondary school.
17. Find out the present source of energy used by the people in India. What could be
the possibilities fifty years from now?
i. At present we use conventional source of energy mostly like coal and petroleum as
the major source of energy.
ii. Since it is an exhaustible and non renewable source of energy it may not be
available after fifty years.
iii. We use non conventional source of energy like solar energy, wind energy, and
hydel energy to a small extent. After 50 years we have to depend on non
conventional sources of energy only or we have to develop a new source of energy.
NM ISB - 7 4 -
18. Why is the issue of sustainability important for development?
i. It is important because future generations should not suffer due to the development
programmes of the present generation.
ii. Issue of sustainability consider judicious use of resources, adopt measures to
prevent environmental pollution and to avoid wastages
19. Why has Kerala a low infant mortality rate and a high literacy rate even though
the per capita income is comparatively low?
i. Kerala has a low infant mortality rate because it has adequate provision of basic
health and educational facilities. The Government spent a fair amount of money in
the field of health and education.
ii. The Public Distribution System functions properly in Kerala and essential goods are
supplied at a lower price than the market prices. Therefore, the health and
nutritional status of the people is very high.
20. How do public facilities stand as a clear indicator of development?
i. Money cannot protect you from diseases unless the whole community takes
preventive steps.
ii. You can not get good education if the provision is not available to all or no one
else, other than you, is interested in education.
iii. Kerala has a low infant mortality rate because it has adequate provision of basic
health and educational facilities. The Government spent a fair amount of money in
the field of health and education.
iv. The Public Distribution System functions properly in Kerala and essential goods are
supplied at a lower price than the market prices. Therefore, the health and
nutritional status of the people is very high.
21. Why have the scientists of the 2nd half of the 20th century been warning that the
present type and levels of development are not sustainable?
i. It is because the present type and levels of development is not eco friendly. It
creates a lot of problems like ozone layer depletion, global warming and
environmental pollution.
ii. The present type and levels of development is not judicious-there is too much over
exploitation of resources causing depletion of resources by which the future
generation would suffer.
22. List a few examples of environmental degradation that you may have observed
around you.
i. Large areas of forests are destroyed in different parts of India.
ii. Industrial effluents are disposed and discharged with out proper treatment causing
land and water pollution.
23. What should India do to achieve to become a developed country?
i. Per capita income of India should be increased by achieving rapid industrial
development and increasing national income and by reducing the population to the
size of the resources available in the country.
ii. Life expectancy of the people of India should be increased by improving the health
status of the people through awareness and immunization programmes, maternal
and child health care and improving overall medical facilities in India.
NM ISB - 7 5 -
iii. Literacy rate and Gross Enrolment Ratio should be increased by effective
implementation of the constitutional provision to provide free and compulsory
education to all children up to the age of 14 and by launching various education
programmes.
24. Give two examples to show that collective provision of goods and services is
cheaper than individual provision.
i. Collective security for the whole locality is cheaper than individual security to each
house.
ii. A pond or a playground for all people will be cheaper than individual ones.
25. Why is Per Capita Income calculated in U.S. dollars?
Per Capita Income is calculated in U.S. dollars for all the countries so that it can be
compared. It is an internationally accepted currency. It is also done in a way so that
every dollar would buy the same amount of goods and services in any country.
26. ‘The earth has the resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the
greed of one person’. How is this statement relevant to the discussion of
development?
i. The statement warns against the modern technology of production, which leads to
over exploitation of resources and further leads to environmental pollution and
wastages of resources.
ii. It is due to the greed of human beings that the resources are over exploited and the
environment is polluted. It is not sustainable. Sustainable development takes care
the needs of the present generation as well as the future generation.
27. Compare India and Srilanka on the basis of any three indicators of HDI for
2012. Explain the table
(HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2013 )
Page 13 Text Book
Country Per Capita Income Life Expectancy Literacy Rate HDI Rank
India 3285 US Dollars 65.8 years 62.8 136
Srilanka 5170 US Dollars 75.1 years 91.2 92
28.What are common development goals. Give two examples.
NM ISB - 7 6 -
Chapter 2 SECTORS OF THE INDIAN ECONOMY

1. What are the different sectors of an economy? Or How are economic activities
classified on the basis of the nature of the activity?
i. Primary Sector: When we produce a good by exploiting natural resources it is
an activity of primary sector. It forms the base for all other products that we
subsequently make. E.g. farming, fishing, forestry, mining, etc.
ii. Secondary Sector: The secondary sector covers activities in which natural
products are changed into other forms through ways of manufacturing that we
associate with industrial activity. It is the next step after primary activity. Using
sugarcane as a raw material, we make sugar or gur. We convert earth into bricks
and use bricks to make houses and buildings. Since this sector gradually became
associated with the different kinds of industries that came up, it is also called as
industrial sector.
iii. Tertiary Sector: These activities help in the development of the primary and
secondary sectors. These activities, by themselves, do not produce a good but
they are an aid or a support for the production process. Transport, storage,
communication, banking, trade are some examples of tertiary activities. Since
these activities generate services rather than goods, the tertiary sector is also
called the service sector.
What is the secondary sector in an economy? Why do we call it industrial sector?
( Write points ii above)
2. Why is agriculture - called a primary activity? (- in primary sector?)
i. It is the oldest occupation. It forms the base for all other products that we
subsequently make.
ii. It is dependent mainly on natural factors like land, rain fall, sunshine, and
climate.
3. How is tertiary sector different from other sectors? Illustrate with a few
examples.
i. Tertiary activities, by themselves, do not produce goods but primary and
secondary sectors produce goods.
ii. Tertiary sector is the largest producing sector in India in 2010-11, which shares
58% in the G.D.P where as primary and secondary sectors contribute 18 % and
24 % respectively.
iii. Development of primary and secondary activities leads to the development of
tertiary activities like transport, trade, storage etc.
iv. Cultivation of wheat is a primary activity and producing bread is a secondary
activity. Transportation, storing and selling bread are tertiary activities.
4. What precaution should we take when we add the value of goods and services to
calculate the G.D.P?
i. Not every good (or service) that is produced and sold needs to be counted. It
makes sense only to include the final goods and services.
ii. Take, for instance, a farmer who sells wheat to a flour mill for Rs 8 per kg. The
mill grinds the wheat and sells the flour to a biscuit company for Rs 10 per kg.
The biscuit company uses the flour and things such as sugar and oil to make four
packets of biscuits. It sells biscuits in the market to the consumers for Rs 60 (Rs
15 per packet). Biscuits are the final goods, i.e., goods that reach the consumers.
iii. To count the value of the flour and wheat separately is therefore not correct
because then we would be counting the value of the same things a number of
times.
NM ISB - 7 7 -
5. What are intermediary goods? Why is its value not added to the G.D.P?
i. Intermediate goods are the goods used in the production of a final product. We
use wheat, then its flour to produce bread. These are intermediary goods.
ii. The value of final goods already includes the value of all the intermediate goods
that are used in making the final good. Hence, value of all other intermediate
goods would have been included. To count the value of the flour and wheat
separately is therefore not correct because then we would be counting the value
of the same things a number of times.
6. What is G.D.P? How do we count the various goods and services for calculating
GDP? Explain with examples.
i. It is the value of all final goods and services produced within a country during a
particular year. The value of final goods and services produced in primary,
secondary, and tertiary sectors during a particular year provides the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) of a country.
ii. The great task of measuring GDP is undertaken by a central government
ministry. This Ministry, with the help of various government departments of all
the Indian states and union territories, collects information relating to total
volume of goods and services and their prices and then estimates the GDP.
iii. Continue Answer 4 above
7. Describe the transition of different sectors in the path of development of
countries. Or What are the historical changes in the different sectors in the
course of development? Or What is the general pattern of shift in the
importance of sectors observed in developed countries?
i. Generally, it has been noted from the histories of many developed, countries that
at the initial stages of development, primary sector was the most important
sector of economic activity.
ii. As the methods of farming changed and agriculture sector began to prosper, it
produced much more food than before. Many people could now take up other
activities. There were increasing number of craft persons and traders.
iii. Over a long time , and especially because new methods of manufacturing were
introduced, factories came up and started expanding. Those people who had
earlier worked on farms now began to work in factories in large numbers.
iv. People began to use many more goods that were produced in factories at cheap
rates. Secondary sector gradually became the most important in total production
and employment. Hence, over time, a shift had taken place. This means that the
importance of the sectors had changed.
v. In the past 100 years, there has been a further shift from secondary to tertiary
sector in developed countries. Buying and selling activities increased many
times. Besides, there were also transporters, administrators, army etc.
vi. However, at this stage, most of the goods produced were natural products from
the primary sector and most people were employed in this sector.
The service sector has become the most important in terms of total production.
Most of the working people are also employed in the service sector. This is the
general pattern observed in developed countries.
How did secondary sector become important in the growth of economies?
( Answer points iii and iv above. )
NM ISB - 7 8 -
8. Which is the largest producing sector in India? What is the scope for
employment opportunities in this sector?
i. In the year 2010-11, the tertiary sector has emerged as the largest producing
sector in India, replacing the primary sector.
ii. In any country several services such as hospitals, educational institutions, post
and telegraph services, police stations, courts, village administrative offices,
municipal corporations, defence, transport, banks, insurance companies, etc. are
required. These can be considered as basic services.
iii. In a developing country the government has to take responsibility for the
provision of these services and thus provide employment opportunities.
iv. At one end there are a limited number of services that employ highly skilled and
educated workers. At the other end, there are a very large number of workers
engaged in services such as small shopkeepers, repair persons, transport persons,
etc.
9. Why is the tertiary sector becoming so important in India?
i. In any country several services such as hospitals, educational institutions, post
and telegraph services, police stations, courts, village administrative offices,
municipal corporations, defence, transport, banks, insurance companies, etc. are
required. These can be considered as basic services. In a developing country the
government has to take responsibility for the provision of these services and
thus provide employment opportunities.
ii. The development of agriculture and industry leads to the development of
services such as transport, trade, storage and the like. Greater the development of
the primary and secondary sectors, more would be the demand for tertiary
services.
iii. As income levels rise, certain sections of people start demanding many more
services like eating out, tourism, shopping, private hospitals, private schools,
professional training etc. We can see this change quite sharply in cities,
especially in big cities.
iv. Over the past decade or so, certain new services such as those based on
information and communication technology have become important and
essential. The production of these services has been rising rapidly.
10. How does the primary sector continue to be the largest employer in India while
the tertiary sectors contribute the highest share in the G.D.P.?
i. It is because not enough jobs were created in the secondary and tertiary sectors.
Even though industrial output or the production of goods went up by eight times
during the period, employment in the industry went up by only 2.5 times.
ii. The same applies to tertiary sector as well. While production in the service
sector rose by 11 times, employment in the service sector rose less than three
times.
iii. As a result, more than half of the workers in the country are working in the
primary sector, mainly in agriculture, producing only a quarter of the GDP. In
contrast to this, the secondary and tertiary sectors produce three-fourth of the
produce whereas they employ less than half the people.
iv. It means that there are more people in agriculture than necessary. So, even if you
move a few people out, production will not be affected. In other words, workers
in agricultural sector are underemployed.
NM ISB - 7 9 -
11. What do you understand by under employment? Why is it called disguised
unemployment? Explain with an example each from urban and rural areas.
i. If more people are employed in an activity than required it is known as under
employment. In this situation of underemployment, where people are apparently
working, but all of them are made to work less than their potential. The
production will not be affected even if the surplus workers are thrown out.
ii. This kind of underemployment is hidden in contrast to someone who does not
have a job and is clearly visible as unemployed. Hence, it is also called disguised
unemployment.
iii. All members in a family work in a plot of land throughout the year in rural areas
since they have nowhere else to go for work. Each one is doing some work but
no one is fully employed. This is the situation of underemployment.
iv. There are thousands of casual workers in the service sector in urban areas who
search for daily employment. They are employed as painters, plumbers,
repairpersons and others doing odd jobs. Many of them do not find work
everyday. Similarly, there are people on the street pushing a cart or selling
something where they may spend the whole day but earn very little. They are
doing this work because they do not have better opportunities.
12. Distinguish between open unemployment and disguised unemployment.
i. In open unemployment, it is very visible that people are unemployed where as in
disguised unemployment people appeared to be employed but are not.
ii. Disguised unemployment is seen mostly in agriculture or in family run activities,
where as open unemployment can be seen in all sectors and activities.
iii. In disguised unemployment the effect of unemployment is not felt since they
share the benefit with others where as in open unemployment it is felt deeply.
13. Service sector in India employs two different kinds of people. Who are these?
i. At one end, there are a limited number of services that employ highly skilled and
educated workers. They are normally high paid with all facilities.
ii. At the other end, there are a very large number of workers engaged in services
such as small shopkeepers, repair persons, transport persons, etc. These people
barely manage to earn a living and yet they perform these services because no
alternative opportunities for work are available to them.
14. Suggest a few measures that can be adopted to tackle the problem of under
employment. ( Measures to solve problem of unemployment in Rural areas )
i. The Government can spend some money or banks can give loans to improve the
methods of cultivation and to absorb surplus workers in new areas.
ii. Construction of canals and dams can improve agricultural activities and create
more employment opportunities.
iii. If Government invests some money in transportation and storage of crops or
make better rural roads helps the farmers to sell their crops in the towns and
create more job opportunities.
iv. Identify, promote and locate industries in semi rural areas where a large number
of people may be employed.
v. Adopt measures to bring all children to schools, which require more buildings,
more teachers and other staff. It can create 20 lakh job opportunities in India.
vi. Development of tourism can create additional employment to 35 lakh people
every year.
vii. Improve health facilities in India, which will provide a large number of
employment opportunities.
NM ISB - 8 0 -
15. What is the importance of National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005?
a. Under NREGA 2005, all those who are able to, and are in need of, work have
been guaranteed 100 days of employment in a year by the government.
b. If the government fails in its duty to provide employment, it will give
unemployment allowances to the people. The types of work that would in
future help to increase the production from land will be given preference under
the Act.
16. How are activities in an economy classified based on employment conditions?
Organized Sector:
i. Organized sector covers those enterprises or places of work where the terms of
employment are regular and therefore, people have assured work.
ii. They are registered by the government and have to follow its rules and
regulations which are given in various laws such as the Factories Act, Minimum
Wages Act, Payment of Gratuity Act, Shops and Establishments Act etc.
iii. It is called organized because it has some formal processes and procedures.
Workers in the organized sector enjoy security of employment. They are
expected to work only a fixed number of hours. If they work more they have to
be paid overtime by the employer. They also get several other benefits from the
employers.
iv. They get paid leave, payment during holidays, provident fund, gratuity etc. They
are supposed to get medical benefits and, under the laws, the factory manager
has to ensure facilities like drinking water and a safe working environment.
When they retire, these workers get pensions as well.
Unorganized Sector:
i. The unorganized sector is characterized by small and scattered units which are
largely outside the control of the government.
ii. There are rules and regulations but these are not followed. Jobs here are lowpaid
and often not regular.
iii. There is no provision for overtime, paid leave, holidays, leave due to sickness
etc. Employment is not secure. People can be asked to leave without any reason.
When there is less work, such as during some seasons, some people may be
asked to leave. Job also depends on the whims of the employer.
iv. This sector includes a large number of people who are employed on their own
doing small jobs such as selling on the street or doing repair work. Similarly,
farmers work on their own and hire labourers as and when they require.
Differentiate between Organized and Unorganized sectors. Or Compare the
employment conditions prevailing in the organized and unorganized sectors.
(Write points i to iv under Organized sector and the corresponding opposite points to
Unorganized sector.)
What are the advantages enjoyed by the workers of the organized sector?
(Write points i to iv under Organized sector)
Workers are exploited in the unorganized sector. Do you agree with this view? Give
reasons in support of your answer.( Write points i to iv under unorganized sector)
17. Who are the vulnerable people in the unorganized sector, who need protection?
i. In the rural areas, the unorganized sector mostly comprises of landless
agricultural labourers, small and marginal farmers, sharecroppers and artisans
(such as weavers, blacksmiths, carpenters and goldsmiths).
NM ISB - 8 1 -
ii. Nearly 80 per cent of rural households in India are in small and marginal farmer
category. These farmers need to be supported through adequate facility for
timely delivery of seeds, agricultural inputs, credit, storage facilities and
marketing outlets.
iii. In the urban areas, unorganized sector comprises mainly of workers in smallscale
industry, casual workers in construction, trade and transport etc.
iv. Those who work as street vendors, head load workers, garment makers, rag
pickers etc. need protection.
v. The casual workers in both rural and urban areas need to be protected.
18. Why is protection and support necessary to the workers of the unorganized sector?
(Write points i to iv under Unorganized sector and continue.. )
v. The majority of workers from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and backward
communities are in the unorganized sector. Besides getting the irregular and low
paid work, these workers also face social discrimination. Protection and support
to the unorganized sector workers is thus necessary for both economic and social
development.
19. Workers in the unorganized sector need protection on the following issues: wages,
safety and health. Explain with examples.
i. Wages: Jobs in the unorganized sector are low-paid. There is no provision for
overtime, paid leave, holidays, leave due to sickness etc. Those who work as
street vendors, head load workers, garment makers, rag pickers etc., need
protection. In the urban areas, unorganized sector comprises mainly of workers
in small-scale industries, casual workers in construction, trade and transport etc.
ii. Safety: There is no job security in this sector. People can be asked to leave
without any reason. When there is less work, such as during some seasons, some
people may be asked to leave. Job also depends on the whims of the employer.
Accidents are common in those industries where adequate facilities and safety
measures are not adopted.
iii. Health: Most of the workers are living in slums, in unhealthy living conditions
with out facilities for health and medical care. It reduces their manpower
potential and productivity.
20. How are economic activities classified based on the ownership?
Public Sector:
Public sector enterprises are owned and controlled by the government. It is run for
the benefit of the people in general. Companies such as Steel Authority of India
Limited, Indian Oil Corporation and Delhi Transport Corporation are some
examples of public sector enterprises. Railways and post offices are under public
sector.
Private Sector:
The private sector enterprises are owned and controlled by individuals, or a group
of individuals, with the aim of making profit. All retail and wholesale shops,
companies, farms that we see around are under private sector. Many large
companies having thousands of workers are also part of the private sector. Tata
Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), Hindustan Lever Limited, Bajaj, Maruti Udyog
Limited and Reliance Industries Limited are examples of Private Sector
Enterprises.
NM ISB - 8 2 -
Joint Sector:
When both the Government and individuals enter into agreement to run
enterprises on partnership basis they are referred to as joint sector enterprise.
Reliance Petro Chemicals Limited( RPL), Brihan Mumbai Suburban Electric
Supply (BSES) and Power Trading Corporation are some examples of joint
enterprises in India.
21. Why is Public Sector enterprises necessary? Or Explain how public sector
contributes to the economic development of a nation. Or Modern government
spent on a whole range of activities ………. Explain.
i. To build infrastructure that requires huge amount: There are several things
needed by the society as a whole but which the private sector cannot provide at a
reasonable cost. Examples are construction of roads, bridges, railways, harbours,
generating electricity, providing irrigation through dams etc.
ii. To support industrial development: There are some activities, which the
government has to support. For example, selling electricity at the cost of
production itself is very high. Many industries cannot bear it. Therefore, the
Government produces and supply electricity at rates, which these industries can
afford. Government has to bear part of the cost.
iii. To protect the poor sections of the society: The government in India buys wheat
and rice from farmers at a ‘fair price’. These are sold at a lower price to
consumers through ration shops. The government has to bear some of the cost.
iv. To provide basic facilities: It is the responsibility of the Government to provide
health and education facilities for all. Running proper schools and providing
quality education, is the duty of the government. Similarly, Government also
needs to pay attention to availability of safe drinking water, housing facilities
and food and nutrition for the poor.
22. Explain the objectives of implementing the NREGA 2005.
i. To guarantee 100 days of employment in a year by the government to those who
are able to, and are in need of, work. The types of work that would in future help
to increase the production from land will be given preference under the National
Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005
ii. If the government fails in its duty to provide employment, it will give
unemployment allowances to the people.
23. Give examples of public sector activities and explain why the Government has
taken them up.
a. Indian Railways: No private individual can set up railway lines through out the
country. It requires huge amount to invest. So the Government has taken it up.
b. Electricity: The cost of production of electricity is very high. No factory can
function if the electricity charge is very high. So the Government has taken it
up to supply electricity lower than the cost of production.
24. What is the present status of school going age group children in India? Explain.
i) There are 200 million children in the school going age group. Nearly half of
them are malnourished and quarter of them are critically ill.
ii) 69% of rural girls and 36% of rural boys are not attending school. Thus we are
nowhere near realization of the Constitutional goal of free and compulsory
education for all children up to the age of 14.
iii) The infant mortality rate is as high as 67 in Odisha and 62 in Madhya Pradesh.
iv) Many of the children are forced to help the parents in their agricultural activities
or working as child laboureres due to their poverty.

Politics

D E M O C R A T I C P O L I T I C S

Chapter 1 POWER SHARING
1. Describe the ethnic composition of the people in Belgium.
i. The ethnic composition of Belgium is very complex. Of the country’s total
population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language.
ii. Another 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French..
iii. Remaining 1 per cent of the Belgians speak German.
iv. In the capital city Brussels, 80 per cent people speak French while 20 per cent are
Dutch-speaking.
v. The minority French-speaking community was relatively rich and powerful. This
was resented by the Dutch-speaking community who got the benefit of economic
development and education much later. This led to tension between the Dutchspeaking
and French-speaking communities during the 1950s and 1960s
State the basic reason for the tension between the French speaking and Dutch speaking
communities in Belgium. ( Answer point v above)
2. Describe the ethnic diversity of the people in Sri Lanka.
i. The major social groups in Sri Lanka are the Sinhala-speakers (74 per cent) and the
Tamil-speakers (18 per cent). Among Tamils, there are two subgroups. Tamil natives
of the country are called ‘Sri Lankan Tamils’ (13 per cent). The rest, whose fore fathers
came from India as plantation workers during colonial period, are called ‘Indian
Tamils’.
ii. Most of the Sinhala-speaking people are Buddhist, while most of the Tamils are Hindus
or Muslims. There are about 7 per cent Christians, who are both Tamil and Sinhala.
(Name the conflicting group of people in Srilanka: Sinhala-speakers and the Tamilspeakers
)
3. State the basic reasons for the tension ( Civil War ) between Sinhala and Tamil speaking
people in Sri Lanka. Or Why do the Sri Lankan Tamils feel alienated in their country?
i. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala community enjoyed a bigger majority and could impose its
will on the entire country. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted
a series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.
ii. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language,
disregarding Tamil.
iii. The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for
university positions and government jobs.
iv. A new constitution stipulated that the state should protect and foster Buddhism. All
these government measures, coming one after the other, gradually increased the feeling
of alienation among the Sri Lankan Tamils.
v. They felt that none of the major political parties led by the Buddhist Sinhala leaders was
sensitive to their language and culture. They felt that the Constitution and government
policies denied them equal political rights, discriminated against them in getting jobs
and other opportunities and ignored their interests.
vi. The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for- the recognition of Tamil as
an official language,- for regional autonomy and- equality of opportunity in securing
education and jobs. But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the
Tamils was repeatedly denied.
NM I S B - 54 -
vii. By 1980s, several political organizations were formed demanding an independent Tamil
Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. The distrust between the two
communities turned into widespread conflict. It soon turned into a civil war. (any four)
What were the majoritarian measures adopted by the Sri Lankan Government? Or
Mention three steps taken by the Srilankan government to achieve majoritanianism.
Or. What is the principle that is being followed by the government in Sri Lanka ?
Describe. (Write points ii to iv above and the next answer too)
4. Define the term ‘majoritarianism’.
A belief that the majority community should be able to rule the country in whichever
ways it want, by disregarding the wishes and needs of the minority is majoritarianism’.
5. How did the Belgian Government resolve the ethnic diversities and tension between
them? Or How was power shared between the people in Belgium?
i. The Belgian Government recognized the existence of regional differences and cultural
diversities.
ii. Between 1970 and 1993 they amended their constitution four times to work out an
arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country. The
arrangement they worked out is different from any other country and is very
innovative.
iii. Constitution prescribes that the number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers shall
be equal in the central government. Some special laws require the support of majority
of members from each linguistic group. Thus, no single community can make
decisions unilaterally.
iv. Many powers of the central government have been given to state governments of the
two regions of the country. The state governments are not subordinate to the Central
Government.
v. Brussels has a separate government in which both the communities have equal
representation. The French-speaking people accepted equal representation in Brussels
because the Dutch-speaking community has accepted equal representation in the
Central Government.
vi. Apart from the Central and the State Government, there is a third kind of government.
This ‘community government’ is elected by people belonging to one language
community – Dutch, French and German-speaking – no matter where they live. This
government has the power regarding cultural, educational and language-related issues.
vii. They helped to avoid- civic strife between the two major communities and- a possible
division of the country on linguistic lines.
6. State the two sets of reasons in favour of power sharing. Or What are the
prudential and moral reasons for power sharing?
i. Prudential Reasons: Power sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility
of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and
political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political
order.
ii. Moral Reasons: Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule
involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with
its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed. A
legitimate government is one where citizens, through participation, acquire a chance in
the system.
NM I S B - 55 -
7. Describe the horizontal distribution of power. What are its advantages?
i. Power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive
and judiciary. We call this horizontal distribution of power because it allows different
organs of government placed at the same level to exercise different powers.
ii. Such a separation ensures that none of the organs can exercise unlimited power. Each
organ checks the others. This results in a balance of power among various institutions.
iii. Similarly, although judges are appointed by the executive, they can check the
functioning of executive or laws made by the legislatures. This arrangement is called a
system of checks and balances.
8. Describe the vertical division of power. Or What is meant by federal division of power?
i. Power can be shared among governments at different levels – a general government for
the entire country and governments at the provincial or regional level. Such a general
government for the entire country is usually called federal government. In India, we refer
to it as the Central or Union Government.
ii. The governments at the provincial or regional level are called by different names in
different countries. In India, we call them State Governments. This is called federal
division of power.
iii. The same principle can be extended to levels of government lower than the State
government, such as the municipality and panchayat. Division of powers involving
higher and lower levels of government is called vertical division of power.
9. Describe the power sharing among different social groups.
i. Power may be shared among different social groups, such as the religious and linguistic
groups. ‘Community government’ in Belgium is a good example of this arrangement.
ii. In some countries, there are constitutional and legal arrangements whereby socially
weaker sections and women are represented in the legislatures and administration.
10. Describe the power sharing among political parties, pressure groups and movements.
i. Power sharing arrangements can also be seen in the way political parties, pressure
groups and movements control or influence those in power. In contemporary
democracies, political competition ensures that power does not remain in one hand.
ii. In the long run, power is shared among different political parties that represent different
ideologies and social groups. Sometimes this kind of sharing can be direct, when two or
more parties form an alliance to contest elections. If their alliance is elected, they form a
coalition government and thus share power.
iii. In a democracy, we find interest groups such as those of traders, businessmen,
industrialists, farmers and industrial workers. They also will have a share in
governmental power, either through participation in governmental committees or
bringing influence on the decision making process
11. Describe the different forms of power sharing in democracies. Give examples.
(Write 1st point of answers 7, 8, 9 and 10)
12. Attempts at forced integration often sow the seeds of disintegration. Explain.
NM I S B - 56 -
Chapter 2 FEDERALISM
1. What is federalism?
i. Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central
authority and various constituent units of the country.
ii. Usually, a federation has two levels of government. One is the government for the entire
country that is usually responsible for a few subjects of common national interest. The
others are governments at the level of provinces or states that look after much of the dayto-
day administering of their state.
iii. Both these levels of governments enjoy their power independent of the other.
2. What are the objectives of federalism? What are the two aspects that are crucial
in the practice of federalism?
i. To safeguard and promote unity of the country, while at the same time accommodate
regional diversity, are the objectives of federalism.
ii. The two aspects that are crucial in the practice of federalism are:
(i) Governments at different levels should agree to some rules of power sharing.
(ii) They should also trust that each would abide by its part of the agreement. An ideal
federal system has both aspects : mutual trust and agreement to live together.
3. What are the two kinds of routes through which federations have been formed?
Or What are the two types of federations?
i. Coming together’ federations: The first route involves independent States coming
together on their own to form a bigger unit, so that by pooling sovereignty and retaining
identity they can increase their security. This type of ‘coming together’ federations
include the USA, Switzerland and Australia. In this first category of federations, all the
constituent States usually have equal power and are strong in comparison with the
federal government.
ii. Holding together’ federations: The second route is where a large country decides to
divide its power between the constituent states and the national government. India, Spain
and Belgium are examples of this kind of ‘holding together’ federations. In this second
category, the central government tends to be more powerful in comparison with the States.
Very often different constituent units of the federation have unequal powers. Some units
are granted special powers.
(What are ‘holding together and coming together federations?)
The exact balance of power between the central and state governments varies from one
federation to another. Justify the statement in the context in which federations are
formed. Ans. Same above.
4. Distinguish between federal and unitary governments.
i. Under the unitary system, either there is only one level of government or the sub-units
are subordinate to the central government. The central government can pass on orders to
the provincial or the local government.
ii. But in a federal system, the central government cannot order the state government to do
something. State government has powers of its own for which it is not answerable to the
central government. Both these governments are separately answerable to the people.
NM I S B - 57 -
5. What are the key features of federalism?
i. There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
ii. Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own
jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration.
iii. The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the
constitution. So the existence and authority of each tier of government is constitutionally
guaranteed.
iv. The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one
level of government. Such changes require the consent of both the levels of government.
v. Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of
government. The highest court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different
levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers.
vi. Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its
financial autonomy.
6. Describe the three fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union Government
and State Government. Or How is the power sharing arrangement done in India?
i. The Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government, the Union
Government (or what we call the Central Government) and the State governments.
ii. Later, a third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities.
As in any federation, these different tiers enjoy separate jurisdiction. The Constitution
clearly provided a threefold distribution of legislative powers between the Union
Government and the State Governments. Thus, it contains three lists.
iii. Union List includes subjects of national importance such as defence of the country,
foreign affairs, banking, communications and currency. They are included in this list
because we need a uniform policy on these matters throughout the country. The Union
Government alone can make laws relating to the subjects mentioned in the Union List.
iv. State List contains subjects of State and local importance such as police, trade,
commerce, agriculture and irrigation. The State Governments alone can make laws
relating to the subjects mentioned in the State List.
v. Concurrent List includes subjects of common interest to both the Union Government as
well as the State Governments, such as education, forest, trade unions, marriage,
adoption and succession. Both the Union as well as the State Governments can make
laws on the subjects mentioned in this list. If their laws conflict with each other, the law
made by the Union Government will prevail.
7. What are the residuary powers of the Central Government?
According to our constitution, the Union Government has the power to legislate on the
subjects that do not fall in any of the three lists. It is known as ‘residuary’ subjects. E.g.
Laws related to Computer software.
NM I S B - 58 -
8. Prove by giving examples that in India we have holding together type of federation. Or.
State an example to prove that in India equal power is not granted to its constituent
units.
i. Very often different constituent units of the federation have unequal powers. Some units
are granted special powers.
ii. All States in the Indian Union do not have identical powers. Some States enjoy a special
status. Jammu and Kashmir has its own Constitution. Many provisions of the Indian
Constitution are not applicable to this State without the approval of the State Assembly.
iii. Indians who are not permanent residents of this State cannot buy land or house here.
Similar special provisions exist in some other States of India as well.
9. What are Union Territories?
There are some units of the Indian Union, which enjoy very little power. These are areas
which are too small to become an independent State but which could not be merged with
any of the existing States. These areas, like Chandigarh, or Lakshadweep or the capital
city of Delhi, are called Union Territories. These territories do not have the powers of a
State. The Central Government has special powers in running these areas.
10. Why is it difficult to make changes to the power sharing arrangement between the
Union Government and State Governments? What is the amendment procedure?
i. Sharing of power between the Union Government and State Government is basic to the
structure of the constitution.
ii. Parliament cannot on its own change these arrangements. Any change to the Indian
Constitution has to be first passed by both the Houses of Parliament with at least twothirds
majority. Then it has to be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the total
States.
11. What role does judiciary play in the implementation of the Constitutional provisions?
The judiciary plays an important role in overseeing the implementation of Constitutional
provisions and procedures. In case of any dispute about the division of powers, the High
Courts and the Supreme Court make a decision.
12. How is federalism practiced in India? Or Explain any three practices that have
strengthen federalism in India.
i. By organizing Linguistic States: The creation of Linguistic States was the first and a
major test for democratic politics in our country. This was done to ensure that people
who spoke the same language lived in the same State. Some States were created not on
the basis of language but to recognize differences based on culture, ethnicity or
geography. It has actually made the country, more united. It has also made
administration easier.
ii. By developing a language policy: A second test for Indian federation is the language
policy. Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one
language. Hindi was identified as the official language. But Hindi is the mother tongue
of only about 40 per cent of Indians. Therefore, there were many safeguards to protect
other languages. Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as Scheduled
Languages by the Constitution. States too have their own official languages.
NM I S B - 59 -
iii. By re-structuring the Centre-State relations: Restructuring the Centre-State relations is
one more way in which federalism has been strengthened in practice. The constitutional
arrangements for sharing power work in reality depends to a large extent on how the
ruling parties and leaders follow these arrangements. Rise of a number of regional
parties and establishment of coalition governments led to a new culture of power sharing
and respect for the autonomy of the state governments.
13. Examine the language policy adopted by the Government of India.
Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language. Hindi
was identified as the official language. But Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40
per cent of Indians. Therefore, there were many safeguards to protect other languages.
Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognized as Scheduled Languages by the
Constitution. States too have their own official languages. According to our Constitution,
the use of English as official language was to stop in 1965 and to use Hindi in its place.
However, it was extended on the request of non-Hindi speaking states like Tamil Nadu.
14. What is meant by Coalition Governments?
When no single party get a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, two or more national parties
or regional parties join together to form a government at the Centre. This type of
government is known as Coalition Governments.
15. State any two changes in the Central- State relationship after 1990 that strengthened
power sharing effectively.
i. Change in the attitude of the central Government: For a long time, the same party ruled
both at the centre and most of the states. It did not allow states to become autonomous
federal units. When the parties were different, the Centre tried to undermine the powers
of the state Governments and even dismissed state Governments. This situation changed
after 1990.
ii. Rise of a number of regional parties and establishment of coalition governments at the
centre: Forming of coalition Government at the centre led to a new culture of power
sharing and respect for the autonomy of state Governments. This trend was supported by
a judgment of the Supreme Court that made difficult for the central government to
dismiss state Governments in an arbitrary manner.
16. What are scheduled languages?
The Census in 1991, found 114 major Languages in India. Of these 22 languages
are included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and are therefore called
‘Scheduled Languages’. Eg. Hindi, Bangla, Telugu, Marathi,Tamil etc
17. What is the rationale for the decentralization of power in India? Or What is the
basic idea behind the decentralization of power?
i. India is a vast country with a huge population. It is not possible to rule the country by a
single Government or state governments.
ii. Even the States in India are bigger than many of the European countries. They are
internally very diverse. There is a need for power sharing with in the state too. Large
number of problems and issues are best solved at the local level. (Continue points if
required)
NM I S B - 60 -
18. What are the arguments in favour of local self Government in India?
i. Large number of problems and issues are best solved at the local level. People have
better knowledge of problems in their localities. They also have better ideas on where to
spend money and how to manage things more efficiently.
ii. Besides, at the local level it is possible for the people to directly participate in decisionmaking.
This helps to inculcate a habit of democratic participation. Forming Local
government is the best way to realize one important principle of democracy, namely
local self-government.
19. What were the drawbacks of the local Government bodies formed earlier?
i. The local Government bodies like village panchayats, municipalities and municipal
corporations were under the direct control of state Governments
ii. Elections to these local Governments were not held regularly.
iii. Local Self Governments did not have any powers or resources of their own, thus there
was no decentralization in reality.
20. What were the Constitutional provisions as per the Amendment in 1992 for setting up
of Panchayati Raj in India?
i. Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government
bodies.
ii. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for
the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
iii. At least one-third of all positions are reserved for women.
iv. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in
each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
v. The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with
local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.
21. What is Grama Sabha? What are its functions?
i. All the adult members of a village constitute the Gram Sabha.
ii. It has to meet at least twice or thrice a year to approve the annual budget of the Grama
Panchayat and to review the performance of the Gram Panchayat.
22. How is Panchayati Raj constituted?
i. It is a three tier system of administration. At the lower level, it is the Village Panchayat.
Each village, or a group of villages in some States, has a Gram Panchayat. This is a
council consisting of several ward members, often called panch, and a president or
sarpanch. They are directly elected by all the adult population living in that ward or
village.
ii. Block Samiti or Panchayat Samiti: A few gram panchayats are grouped together to form
what is usually called a Panchayat Samiti or block or mandal. The members of this
representative body are elected by all the panchyat members in that area.
iii. Zilla Parishad: All the Panchayat Samitis or Mandals in a district together constitute the
Zilla (district) Parishad. Most members of the Zilla Parishad are elected. Members of the
Lok Sabha and MLAs of that district and some other officials of other district level
bodies are also its members. Zilla parishad chairperson is the political head of the Zilla
Parishad.
NM I S B - 61 -
iv. Similarly, local government bodies exist for urban areas as well. Municipalities are set
up in towns. Big cities are constituted into municipal corporations. Both municipalities
and municipal corporations are controlled by elected bodies consisting of people’s
representatives. Municipal chairperson is the political head of the municipality. In a
Municipal Corporation such an officer is called the mayor.
23. What are the difficulties faced by local government bodies?
i. While elections are held regularly and enthusiastically, ‘gram sabhas’ are not held
regularly.
ii. Most state governments have not transferred significant powers to the local
governments. Nor have they given adequate resources. We are thus still a long way from
realizing the ideal of self-government.
24. Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one
feature that is different from that of Belgium.
i. In both countries the units of federation are Central Government and state governments.
The central government has given some of its powers to the state governments both in
Belgium and India.
ii. Unlike in India, the state government in Belgium is not a subordinate to the central
government.
25. State any two differences between the local government before and after the
Constitutional amendment in 1992.
i. The local Government bodies like village panchayats, municipalities and municipal
corporations were under the direct control of state Governments before and these have
become autonomous bodied after the amendment.
ii. Elections to these local Governments were not held regularly before but it has become
mandatory after the amendment.
iii. Local Self Governments did not have any powers or resources of their own, thus there
was no decentralization in reality before. But after the amendment the State
governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government
bodies.
26. Describe any four measures taken to decentralize power in India.
i. The Constitution originally provided for a two-tier system of government, the Union
Government (or the Central Government) and the State governments. Later, a third tier
of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities. As in any
federation, these different tiers enjoy separate jurisdiction.
ii. Seats are reserved in the elected bodies and the executive heads of these institutions for
the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
iii. At least one-third of all positions in the local government bodies are reserved for
women.
iv. An independent institution called the State Election Commission has been created in
each State to conduct panchayat and municipal elections.
v. The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with
local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.( any four)
27. Define the term jurisdiction.
It is the area over which someone has legal authority. It is the area or the field of activity.
28. Which features of the Panchayatiraj do you like the most and why?
NM I S B - 62 -
Chapter 3 DEMOCRACY AND DIVERSITY
1. What was the Civil Rights Movement?
Civil Rights Movement in the USA (1954-1968) refers to a set of events and reform
movements aimed at abolishing legal racial discrimination against African-Americans.
Led by Martin Luther King Jr., this movement practiced non-violent methods of civil
disobedience against racially discriminatory laws and practices.
2. Who are the African Americans?
African-American, Afro-American, Black American, or Black are the terms used to refer
mainly to the descendants of Africans who were brought into America as slaves between
the 17th century and early 19th century.
3. What was the Black Power Movement?
The Black Power movement emerged in 1966 and lasted till 1975, which was a more
militant anti-racist movement, advocating even violence if necessary to end racism in the
US.
4. How do American athletes show their anger towards racism in 1968 Olympics?
Tommie Smith and John Carlos were African American athletes. They had won the
gold and bronze medals respectively in 200 meters race. They received their medals,
wearing black socks and no shoes to represent Black poverty. The two men standing with
clenched fists upraised and heads bowed, while the American national anthem was
played. With this gesture, they tried to draw international attention to racial
discrimination in the United States. The black-gloved and raised clenched fists were
meant to symbolize ‘Black Power’.
The silver medallist, white Australian athlete, Peter Norman, wore a human rights badge
on his shirt during the ceremony to show his support to the two Americans.
5. How does social diversity take different forms in Belgium and Sri Lanka?
In the case of Belgium , people who live in different regions speak different languages.
In Sri Lanka, linguistic as well as religious differences exist. . Thus, social diversity can
take different forms in different societies.
6. How do social differences originate?
i. By birth: We all experience social differences based on accident of birth in our everyday
lives. We belong to a community simply because we were born into it. People around us
are male or female, they are tall and short, have different kinds of complexions, or have
different physical abilities or disabilities.
ii. By Choice: Some of the differences are based on our choices. For example, some people
are atheists. They do not believe in God or any religion. Some people choose to follow a
religion other than the one in which they were born. Most of us choose what to study,
which occupation to take up and which games or cultural activities to take part. All these
lead to formation of social groups that are based on our choices.
Prove by giving examples that social differences are either based on accident of
birth or choice. ( Write same answer above)
7. What are the overlapping and cross cutting differences?
i. Social division takes place when some social difference overlaps with other
differences. The difference between the Blacks and Whites becomes a social division
in the US because the Blacks tend to be poor, homeless and are discriminated.
NM I S B - 63 -
ii. In our country, Dalits tend to be poor and landless. They often face discrimination
and injustice. Situations of this kind produce social divisions, when one kind of social
difference becomes more important than the other and people start feeling that they
belong to different communities.
iii. If social differences cross cut one another, it is difficult to differentiate one group of
people against the other. It means that, groups that share a common interest on one
issue are likely to be in different sides on a different issue.
iv. In Northern Ireland, class and religion overlap with each other. If you are Catholic,
you are also more likely to be poor, and you may have suffered a history of
discrimination.
v. In the Netherlands, class and religion tend to cut across each other. Catholics and
Protestants are about equally likely to be poor or rich. The result is that Catholics and
Protestants have had conflicts in Northern Ireland, while they do not do so in the
Netherlands.
vi. Overlapping social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and
tensions. Crosscutting social differences are easier to accommodate.
Examine the over lapping and cross cutting differences of the people in Netherlands
and Northern Ireland. ( Answer same above)
Overlapping social difference create possibilities of deep social divisions and
tensions. Explain. Write points i, ii, iv, vi.
Q. When does a social difference become a social division? (Write point i above)
8. How do social differences affect politics?
Democracy involves competition among various political parties. Their competition
tends to divide any society. If they start competing in terms of some existing social
divisions, it can make social divisions into political divisions and lead to conflict,
violence or even disintegration of a country. (Continue points iii & iv below)
9. Politics and social divisions must not be allowed to mix. Substantiate this statement. Or
Examine with examples the impact of politics based on social differences.
i. Democracy involves competition among various political parties. Their competition
tends to divide any society. If they start competing in terms of some existing social
divisions, it can make social divisions into political divisions and lead to conflict,
violence or even disintegration of a country.
ii. Hundreds of civilians, militants and security forces were killed in the fight between
Unionists and Nationalists and between the security forces of the UK and the
Nationalists. It was only in 1998, that the UK government and the Nationalists reached a
peace treaty after which the nationalists suspended their armed struggle.
iii. Political competition along religious and ethnic lines led to the disintegration of
Yugoslavia into six independent countries.
iv. In a democracy it is only natural that political parties would talk about social divisions,
make different promises to different communities, look after due representation of
various communities and make policies to redress the grievances of the disadvantaged
communities.
NM I S B - 64 -
v. Social divisions affect voting in most countries. People from one community tend to
prefer some party to others. In many countries, there are parties that focus only on one
community.
What is communal politics? Explain the idea behind communal politics. (Get the
answer from points iii, iv, v )
How can the relationship between politics and religion be beneficial and
problematic at the same time? Explain.
10. What are the three determinants (factors) deciding the out come of politics of social
divisions?
i. First of all the outcome depends on how people perceive their identities. If people see
their identities in singular and exclusive terms, it becomes very difficult to
accommodate. As long as people in Northern Ireland saw themselves as only Catholic or
Protestant, their differences were difficult to reconcile. Most people in our country see
their identity themselves as Indian as well as belonging to a state or a language group or
a social or religious community.
ii. Second, it depends on how political leaders raise the demands of any community. It is
easier to accommodate demands that are within the constitutional framework and are not
at the cost of another community. The demand for ‘only Sinhala’ was at the cost of the
interest and identity of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. In Yugoslavia, the leaders of
different ethnic communities presented their demands in such a way that these could not
be accommodated within a single country.
iii. Third, it depends on the how the government reacts to demands of different groups.
If the rulers of Belgium and Sri Lanka, are willing to share the power and accommodate
the reasonable demands of minority community, social divisions become less threatening
for the country. But if they try to suppress such a demand in the name of national unity,
the end result is often quite the opposite. Such attempts at forced integration often sow
the seeds of disintegration.
11. How does social diversity strengthen democracy? OR In democracy political expression
of social division is very normal and can be very healthy. Explain the statement.
i. In a democracy, political expression of social divisions is very normal and can be
healthy. This allows various disadvantaged and marginal social groups to express their
grievances and get the government to attend to these.
ii. Expression of various kinds of social divisions in politics often results in their cancelling
one another out and thus reducing their intensity. This leads to strengthening of a
democracy.
iii. People who feel marginalized, deprived and discriminated have to fight against the
injustices. Such a fight often takes the democratic path, voicing their demands in a
peaceful and constitutional manner and seeking a fair position through elections.
12. Define the term ‘homogenous society’.
A society that has similar kind of people with out any ethnical differences is a
homogenous society.
13. We all are Indians. What message do you draw from this statement?
14. Highlight the positive and negative impact of casteism with regard to political expression.
15. Explain the basic features of caste system prevailing in India.
16. Why is it so that religious differences created social division in Northern Ireland and failed to
do the same in Netherlands? Explain.
NM I S B - 65 -

1. What are the feminist Movements?
i. The movement that demanded enhancing the political and legal status of women and
improving their educational and career opportunities is termed as feminist movements.
ii. Women’s movements that aimed at equality in personal and family life are called
feminist movements.
iii. The agitation in different countries for the extension of voting rights to women is
termed as feminist movements. (any one)
2. Why do women lag much behind men?
i. In India, we have a male dominated, patriarchal society. Therefore, women’s
opportunities are less.
ii. Women are discriminated in various aspects like, education, health, and economic
opportunities.
3. What is meant by occupational mobility?
When a person changes his occupation from one to another, it is occupational mobility.
It was not allowed when caste system was rigid.
4. What do you mean by sexual division of labour?
All works of daily needs are divided among men and women in the traditional society.
According to which all household work like cooking, washing, cleaning, looking after
children etc are given to women and outside work to earn a living is given to men. It is
sexual division of labour.
5. Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or
disadvantaged in India. ( ‘Women in India continue to be discriminated leading to
their unequal position in the society’. Justify the statement with four suitable
examples.)
i. Low literacy: The literacy rate among women is only 54 per cent compared with 76 per
cent among men. Similarly, a smaller proportion of girl students go for higher studies.
When we look at school results, girls and boys perform equally, if not better in some
places. But they drop out because parents prefer to spend their resources for their boys’
education rather than spending equally on their sons and daughters.
ii. Low Position: The proportion of women among the highly paid and valued jobs is still
very small. On an average, an Indian woman works one hour more than an average man
every day. Yet much of her work is not paid and therefore often not valued.
iii. Low Pay: The Equal Wages Act provides that equal wages should be paid to equal
work. However in almost all areas of work, from sports and cinema, to factories and
fields, women are paid less than men, even when both do exactly the same work.
iv. Preference of a male child: In many parts of India, parents prefer to have sons and find
ways to have the girl child aborted before she is born. Such sex-selective abortion led to
a decline in child sex ratio (number of girl children per thousand boys) in the country to
merely 927.
v. Exploitation: There are reports of various kinds of harassment, exploitation and violence
against women. Urban areas have become particularly unsafe for women. They are not
safe even within their own home from beating, harassment and other forms of domestic
violence.
NM I S B - 66 -
6. What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
i. In India, the proportion of women in legislature has been very low. For example, the
percentage of elected women members in Lok Sabha has never reached even 10 per cent
of its total strength.
ii. Their share in the state assemblies is less than 5 per cent. In this respect, India is among
the bottom group of nations in the world. India is behind the averages for several
developing countries of Africa and Latin America.
iii. In the government, cabinets are largely all-male even when a woman becomes the Chief
Minister or the Prime Minister.
7. What are Gandhiji’s views on religion and politics?
Gandhiji used to say that religion could never be separated from politics. What he
meant by religion was not any particular religion like Hinduism or Islam but moral
values that inform all religions. He believed that politics must be guided by ethics
drawn from religion.
8. State the different forms of communal politics with one example each. Or How does
Communalism take various forms in politics?
i. The most common expression of communalism is in everyday beliefs. These routinely
involve religious prejudices, stereotypes of religious communities and belief in the
superiority of one’s religion over other religions. This is so common that we often fail to
notice it, even when we believe in it.
ii. A communal mind often leads to political dominance of one’s own religious community.
For those belonging to majority community, it takes the form of majoritarian dominance.
For those belonging to the minority community, it can take the form of a desire to form a
separate political unit.
iii. Political mobilization on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism. This
involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders and emotional appeal, in order to
bring the followers of one religion together in the political arena. In electoral politics,
this often involves special appeal of votes in the name of religion.
iv. Sometimes communalism takes its most ugly form of communal violence, riots and
massacre. India and Pakistan suffered some of the worst communal riots at the time of
the Partition. The post-independence period has also seen large-scale communal
violence.
9. How do political leaders make use of religion to win the election? Or How is politics
mixed with religion? ( Answer point iii above)
10. Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
(Or How is India a secular country? )
i. There is no official religion for the Indian state. Unlike the status of Buddhism in Sri
Lanka, that of Islam in Pakistan and that of Christianity in England, our Constitution
does not give a special status to any religion.
ii. The Constitution provides to all individuals and communities freedom to practice and
propagate any religion.
iii. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
iv. At the same time, the Constitution allows the state to intervene in the matters of religion
in order to ensure equality within religious communities. For example, it bans
untouchability.
NM I S B - 67 -
11. What are the causes for undergoing changes in the caste system in modern India?
i. Partly due to the efforts of social reformers and partly due to other socio-economic
changes, castes and caste system in modern India have undergone great changes.
ii. With economic development, large scale urbanization, growth of literacy and education,
occupational mobility and the weakening of the position of landlords in the villages, the
old notions of caste hierarchy is breaking down. Now, most of the times, in urban areas
it does not matter much who is walking along next to us on a street or eating at the next
table in a restaurant.
iii. The Constitution of India prohibited any caste-based discrimination and laid the
foundations of policies to reverse the injustices of the caste system.
12. State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India. ( Examine some of the glimpses
of caste system in modern India.)
i. Even now, most people marry within their own caste or tribe.
ii. Untouchability has not ended completely, despite constitutional prohibition. Effects of
centuries of disadvantages continue to be felt today.
iii. The caste groups that had access to education under the old system have done very well
in acquiring modern education as well. Those groups that did not have access to
education or were prohibited from acquiring it, have naturally lagged behind. That is
why there is a disproportionately large presence of ‘upper caste’ among the urban middle
classes in our country.
iv. Caste continues to be closely linked to economic status. Even now, teachers prefer their
children to be teachers – carpenters prefer their children to be carpenters.
‘There is a disproportionately large presence of upper caste among the urban
middle class in our country’. State the reasons. (Answer -point iii above)
13. What are the various forms that caste can take in politics?
i. When parties choose candidates in elections, they keep in mind the caste composition of
the electorate and nominate candidates from different castes to muster necessary
support to win elections.
ii. When governments are formed, political parties usually make sure that representatives of
different castes and tribes find a place in it.
iii. Political parties and candidates in elections make appeals to caste sentiment to muster
support. Some political parties are known to favour some castes and are seen as their
representatives.
iv. There are many associations and even political parties formed in the name of castes.
They openly contest in the election to protect the interests of a particular caste.
v. Universal adult franchise and the principle of one-person-one-vote compelled political
leaders to gear up to the task of mobilizing and securing political support. It also brought
new consciousness among the people of castes that were hitherto treated as inferior and
low. The focus on caste in politics can sometimes give an impression that elections are
all about caste and nothing else.
14. State any two reasons for economic inequality in India.
a. Failure in the implementation of land reform and unequal distribution of land. Lower
class people were not allowed to possess any land.
b. Rigid caste system and lack of occupational mobility are the main reasons for economic
inequality in India.
NM I S B - 68 -
15. Why is caste an important source of economic inequality in India?
( Problems faced by Dalits)
i. Caste is an important source of economic inequality because it regulates access to
resources of various kinds. For example, in the past, the Dalits were treated as
‘untouchables’ and were denied the right to own land and get education, while only the
‘twice born’ castes or Brahmins had the right to education.
ii. Caste system prevents occupational mobility. People are not allowed to take up any
profession other than their family profession even though they are talented in other fields
because of the rigidity of the caste system.
16. State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India. Or
Prove by giving examples that it is not the caste, but other factors matter in electoral
politics.
i. No parliamentary constituency in the country has a clear majority of one single caste.
So, every candidate and party needs to win the confidence of more than one caste and
community to win elections.
ii. No party wins the votes of all the voters of a caste or community. When people say that
a caste is a ‘vote bank’ of one party, it usually means that a large proportion of the voters
from that caste vote for that party.
iii. Many political parties may put up candidates from the same caste (if that caste is
believed to dominate the electorate in a particular constituency). Some voters have more
than one candidate from their caste while many voters have no candidate from their
caste.
iv. The ruling party and the sitting MP or MLA frequently lose elections in our country.
That could not have happened if all castes and communities were frozen in their political
preferences.
v. The voters have strong attachment to political parties, which is often stronger than their
attachment to their caste or community.
vi. People within the same caste or community have different interests depending on their
economic condition. Rich and poor or men and women from the same caste often vote
very differently.
vii. People’s assessment of the performance of the government and the popularity rating of
the leaders matter and are often decisive in elections. (ANY TWO)
17. Prove by giving examples that it is not politics that gets caste ridden, but it is the caste
that gets politicized.
i. Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating within it neighbouring castes
or sub-castes, which were earlier excluded from it.
ii. Various caste groups are required to enter into a coalition with other castes or
communities and thus enter into a dialogue and negotiation.
iii. New kinds of caste groups have come up in the political arena like ‘backward’ and
‘forward’ caste groups.
18. What role does caste play in democracy?
i. In some situations, expression of caste differences in politics gives many disadvantaged
communities the space to demand their share of power. In this sense-caste politics has
helped people from Dalits and OBC castes to gain better access to decision making.
NM I S B - 69 -
ii. Several political and non-political organizations have been demanding and agitating for
an end to discrimination against particular castes, for more dignity and more access to
land, resources and opportunities.
iii. At the same time exclusive attention to caste can produce negative results as well. As in
the case of religion, politics based on caste identity alone is not very healthy in a
democracy. It can divert attention from other important issues like poverty, development
and corruption. In some cases, caste division leads to tensions, conflict and even violence.
19. Define the term patriarchy.
It is a system that values men more and gives them power over women. It is a system in which
men dominate women.
20. Prove by giving examples that religious differences are often, expressed in politics.
i) Human Rights group in India have argued that most of the victims of communal riots are
people from religious minorities. They have demanded that the Government should take
special steps to protect religious minorities.
ii) Women’s movement in India argued that family laws of all religions discriminate against
women. So they demanded that the Government should change laws to make them more
equitable.
Additional questions:
1. What are Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?
2. Describe the composition of religious diversity in India.
3. What is Sachar Committee?
4. Prove by giving examples that castes continue to be very strongly linked to economic
status in many ways.
5. How can we use religion in politics in a positive way?
6. What do you mean by feminism?
7. Why do girls drop out from schools?
8. What do you mean by communal politics?
9. What are the disadvantages in using castes in politics?

Geography

GEOGRAPHY
CHAPTER- 1 RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

1. What are resources? What are its characteristics?
Every thing available in our environment, which can be used to satisfy our needs if it
is technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable, is
termed as resource. [Or Resources are the means available for the development of a
country. These are the natural or human made materials, which help to create goods
or provide services].
Its characteristics are the following:
a) It has utility: Resources can be used to make a variety of goods and services.
It satisfies human wants.
b) They are normally available in limited quantity: Most of the resources are scarce.
They are exhaustible. We have to use it wisely.
c) Can’t be used as it is: Most of the resources are in crude form. We have to put
effort on it to get utility or maximum satisfaction.
d) It should be technologically accessible.
2. Examine the interdependent relationship among nature ,technology and
institutions in the economic development. [ in the resource transformation]
a) Human beings interact with nature through technology and create institutions to
accelerate economic development.
b) They transform material available in our environment in to resources by using
technology and use them.
3. Name the essential component of resources. What is its role in the resource
transformation?
Human beings are the essential components of resources. Human beings interact
with nature through technology and create institutions to accelerate economic
development. They transform materials available in our environment into resources
by using technology and use them.
4. Distinguish between biotic and abiotic resources.
a) Biotic resources have or had living characteristics whereas abiotic resources are
composed of non living things.
b) Biotic resources are normally obtained from the biosphere where as abiotic
resources obtained from the lithosphere.
c) Examples of biotic resources are human beings, flora, fauna, fisheries and livestock
d) Examples of abiotic resources are rocks, metals, minerals etc.
5. Distinguish between renewable and non renewable resources.
a) Renewable resources are those resources, which can be regenerated in a given
period of time whereas non renewable resources cannot be re generated.
b) Renewable resources are abundant and replenishable where as non renewable
resources are scarce and non replenishable.
c) Renewable resources are non exhaustible whereas non renewable resources are
exhaustible.
d) Solar and wind energy, water, forest and wild life are examples of renewable
resource and minerals and fossil fuels are examples of non renewable resources.
NM ISB - 27 -
6. How are resources classified on the basis of origin?
a) Biotic resources b) Abiotic resources ( Explain points)
7. How are resources classified on the basis of exhaustibility?
a) Renewable resources b) Non renewable resources ( Explain points)
8. How are resources classified on the basis of ownership?
a) Individual resources: These are privately owned resources. Village people own land
and cattle whereas urban people own plots, flats or other property. Plantation,
pasture lands, ponds, water in the wells are individual resources.
b) Community owned resources:
These are resources accessible to all the members of the community. Grazing
grounds, burial grounds, village ponds, public parks, play grounds, picnic spots etc
are community owned resources.
c) National Resources:
All the minerals, water resources, forests, wild life, all the resources with in the
political boundaries and oceanic area up to 12 nautical miles from the coast belong
to national resources. Roads canals, railways and properties of public character
belong to national resources.
d) International resources:
The oceanic resources beyond 200 nautical miles of the Exclusive Economic Zone
belong to international resources. No individual or country can claim it. There are
international institutions to regulate these resources.
9. How are resources classified based on the status of development?
a) Potential resources:
Resources, which are found in a region, but have not been utilized, are potential
resources. These resources will be widely used shortly. Wind and solar energy
potential in Rajasthan and Gujarat have not been developed and exploited properly
so far.
b) Developed resources:
These are the resources surveyed; quality and quantity have been measured and have
been determined for utilization.
c) Stock Resources:
Resources in the environment which have the potential to satisfy human needs but do
not have the appropriate technology to have an access come under this category. We
haven’t so far developed the technology to make inflammable gases like hydrogen
and oxygen on a large scale from water . So it is considered a stock.
d) Reserve resources:
These are the subdivision of stock resources and can be put into use by applying the
existing technology but their use has not yet been started. These can be used to meet
our future requirements.
10. What is meant by Exclusive Economic Zone?
a) The UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, 1982, allowed coastal nations to claim a
territorial sea of up to 12 nautical miles.
NM ISB - 28 -
b) It also allowed jurisdiction over resources, control over fishing right, scientific
research, and environmental protection in a zone up to 200 nautical miles (370.4 km)
offshore. It is known as Exclusive Economic Zone. Beyond this zone, seabed mineral
development will be regulated by an international body.
11. What are the major problems developed out of exploiting resources
indiscriminately? ( State any to effects of indiscriminate exploitation of resources.)
a) Depletion of resources for satisfying the greed of few individuals.
b) Accumulation of resources in few hands, which in turn divided the society in to rich
and poor.
c) It has led to ecological crisis such as global warming, ozone layer depletion,
environmental pollution and land degradation.
12. What is sustainable development?
The development that takes care the needs of the present generation with out
compromising the needs of future generations is termed as sustainable development. It
emphasizes on prevention of pollution and avoidance of wastages. The development
that takes place with out damaging the environment is termed as sustainable
development.
13. What is resource planning? Why is it essential? ( Explain any three reasons
responsible for making resource planning in India. )
i) Resource planning is a technique or skill of proper utilization of resources.
ii) An equitable distribution of resources has become essential for a sustained quality of
life and global peace.
iii) If the present trend of resources depletion by a few individuals and countries
continues, the future of the planet is in danger. There fore resource planning is
essential for sustainable existence of all forms of life. Or
Since the resources are limited and unevenly distributed, effective and efficient
planning is necessary.
Resource planning includes conservation of resources too. We have to exploit
resources in such a way that future generation will not suffer.
Resource planning is essential to prevent environmental pollution and to avoid
wastages in the exploitation of resources.
14. Examine the diversity in the availability of resources in India. Give examples. Or
Why is a balanced resource planning essential in India? ( Why is it necessary for
a balanced resource planning at the national ,state, regional and local levels?)
a) There are regions in India which are rich in certain type of resources but are deficient
in some other resources. There are some regions in India which can be considered
self sufficient in terms of availability of resources and there are some other regions
which have acute shortage of some vital resources.
b) The states of Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and
coal deposits.
NM ISB - 29 -
c) Arunachal Pradesh has abundance of water resources but lacks in infrastructural
developments.
d) Rajasthan has a lot of solar and wind energy potential but lacks in water resources.
e) The cold area of Ladakh has very rich cultural heritage but is deficient in water,
infrastructure and minerals.
15. What are the processes ( stages) involved in the resource planning?
i) Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country: This
involves surveying, mapping, qualitative and quantitative estimation, and
measurement of resources.
ii) Evolving a planning structure with appropriate technology, skill and institutional
setup for implementing resource development plans.
iii) Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans.
16. ‘Mere availability of resources will not bring economic development’. Give
reasons.
i) Along with the availability of resources corresponding changes in technology and
institutions are required for economic development.
ii) There are many regions in India that are rich in resources but are economically
backward. Some other areas have poor resources but they are economically
developed.
iii) It was primarily the higher level of technological development of the colonizing
countries that helped them to exploit resources of other regions and establish their
supremacy over the colonies.
17. What was Gandhiji’s opinion about conservation (or over exploitation) of
resources?
i) Gandhiji said, ‘There is enough resources in India for every body’s need and not for
any body’s greed’.
ii) He placed the greedy and selfish individuals and exploitative nature of modern
technology as the root cause for resource depletion at the global level.
iii) He was against mass production and wanted to replace it with the production by
the masses.
18. Why is it important to use the available land with careful planning?
i) We live on land , perform all economic activities on land and use it for variety of
purposes.
ii) Land is a natural resource of utmost importance. It supports natural vegetation,
wild life, human life, transport and communication systems.
iii) 95% of our basic needs for food, shelter and clothing are obtained from land
iv) Land available is limited in quantity compared to the size of the population and
hence it requires careful planning.
NM ISB - 30 -
19. Assess the land in India under important relief features.
i.Plains: About 43 % of the land is plain which provides facilities for agriculture and
industry.
ii.Mountains: It accounts for 30 % of the land and ensure perennial flow of some
rivers, provide facilities for tourism and ecological aspects.
iii.Plateau: About 27 % of the land is plateau. It possesses rich reserves of minerals
fossil fuels and forests.
20. Give two reasons why we are not able to utilize the total geographical area of India.
i) The land use reporting for most of the north- eastern states except Assam has not
been done fully.
ii) Some areas of Jammu & Kashmir occupied by Pakistan and China have not been
surveyed.
21. What is the land utilization pattern in India?
Total area of land in India is 3.28 million sq.km., but only 93 % is available for use.
i)The Net sown area in India is 46.24 % in 2008-09.
ii) The Forest share in the land use pattern is 22.78% in 2008-09
iii) Area under non agricultural use is 5.57 % in 2008-09
iv) Permanent pastures and grazing land is 3.38 % only.
v) Culturable Waste land is 4.17% in 2008-09.
vi) Fallow Land : The share of the current fallow land is 4.76 % in 2008-09. Fallow
other than current fallow is 3.37.
22. What are the most satisfying features of the land use pattern in India?
a) About 54 % of the total land area is under cultivation in India. It is the highest
percentage in the world.
b) Land under the forests has increased from 18.11% in 1960-61 to 22.78% in
2008-09 (Any One)
c) Culturable Waste land has reduced from 6.23% in 1960-61 to 4.17 % in 2008-09.
23. What is land degradation? Explain any three causes for land degradation.
Land degradation is the process of losing the fertility and productivity of land and
turning it unfit for proper use. It is otherwise lowering the quality of land.
Deforestation, careless management of forests, overgrazing by animals, soil erosion,
surface mining and industrial effluents cause land degradation.
At present there are about 130 million hectares of degraded land in India .28 % of it
belongs to forest degraded area, 56 % water eroded area, 10 % wind eroded area and
the rest 6% is affected by saline and alkaline deposits.
NM ISB - 31 -
24. State two natural and human activities that lead to land degradation.
a. Natural : Soil erosion, land slides, torrential rain
b. Human : Mining and industry. (Explain all)
25. How does surface mining and industry lead to land degradation?
a. The mining sites are abandoned after excavation is completed.
b. Processed soil or waste materials are dumped unscientifically causing the land
used and the land nearby unfit for any use.
c. The mineral processing, like grinding of limestone for cement industry and
calcite and soapstone for ceramic industry generates heavy amount of dust and
releases in the atmosphere. It settles down in the surrounding areas, affecting
infiltration of water and crop cultivation.
d. The industrial effluents released to the air causes acid rain and air and water get
polluted.
26. How is man responsible for degradation of land?
a) Cutting of trees (deforestation).
b) Unscientific disposal of industrial wastes.
c) Unscientific industrial processing.
d) Construction of houses and buildings. (Explain any one)
27. What measures can be adopted for preventing land degradation?
a. Stabilization of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes, preparation of shelterbelts
for plants and control over grazing of animals are some methods of controlling
land degradation in arid areas.
b. Moisture conservation and weed control in agricultural lands, regularization of
grazing and proper management of wasteland and control of mining activities are
the methods for semi arid areas.
c. Proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment
can reduce land and water degradation in industrial and suburban areas.
28. What are soils? How are they formed? Or ( Describe the factors that contribute
to the formation and fertility to the soil.)
i.Loose and fragmented uppermost layer of the earth’s crust, which is useful for
plants, is called soil. It is the basic resources of agriculture.
ii.It consists of both organic and inorganic substances.
iii.The factors that contribute the formation and fertility of soil are rocks, climate,
plants and animals, local topography, chemical and organic changes which takes
place in the soil and long period of time.
1.Soils are formed by the disintegration and decomposition of rocks under the process
of weathering and erosion. Climate determines the rate of weathering and the type
of vegetation. Time provide maturity to soils.
NM ISB - 32 -
29. Describe the characteristics of alluvial soil. (What type of soil is found in the river
deltas of the eastern coasts? Give three main features of this type of soil. Or Which
is the most widely spread and important soil in India? )
a) Alluvial soil is confined to northern plain, coastal strips, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
It is the most widely spread and important soil in India.
b) It consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay.
c) As we move inlands to wards the valley soil particles appear some what bigger
in size. In the upper reaches of the river valley the soil are coarse. Such soils are
common in piedmont plains such as Duars, Chos and Terai.
d) Alluvial soil as a whole are very fertile Mostly these soil contain adequate proportion
of potash , phosphoric acid and lime which are ideal for the growth of sugarcane,
paddy, wheat and other cereal and pulse crops.
e) Soils in the drier areas are more alkaline and can be productive after proper treatment
and irrigation.
f) Alluvial soil is divided into Bhangar and Khadar according to their age. ( Continue..)
30. Differentiate between Bhangar and Khadar.
i)The Bangar soil has higher concentration of kanker nodules than the Khadar.
ii.Bhangar is older alluvium and is found away from rivers and Khadar is new
alluvium found closer to the rivers.
iii.Bhangar is clayey and dark while Khadar is sandy and light in colour.
iv.Bhangar is less fertile compared to Khadar. Khadar is renewed frequently in the
flood plain.
31. What are the characteristics of Black soil? ( Regur soil )
a) It is good for cultivation of cotton and also known as cotton soil.
c) It is rich in potash, calcium carbonate, magnesium and lime and poor in
phosphoric content.
d) It has the ability to retain moisture.
e) On drying these soil develops large and deep cracks and becomes sticky when wet.
f) Climatic condition along with the parent rock material is the important factors for
the formation of black soil.
g) This type of soil is typical of the Deccan trap spread over northwest Deccan plateau
and is made up of lava flows.
32. Describe the major features of Red soil. Where is it found?
a. Red soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall in the
eastern and southern parts of the Deccan plateau.
b. It is red in colour due to the diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic
rocks. It looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.
c. Red soils are highly porous and fertile and they are fine grained and deep.
d. It is deficient in phosphoric acid, organic matter and nitrogen and rich in potash.
e. They occur in parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Jharkhand.
NM ISB - 33 -
33. What are Laterite soils? What are its features?
a. Laterite soils are intensely leached soils of the monsoon climate.
b. The humus content of this soil is low because most of the micro organisms
particularly the decomposers like bacteria get destroyed due to high temperature.
It has low value for crop production.
c. They are red in colour with high content of iron oxide. It is poor in nitrogen and
lime and has high contents of acidity.
d. It doesn’t have the ability to retain moisture. It is composed of little clay and
much gravel of red sand stones.
e. These soils develop in areas of high temperature and heavy rainfall. They occur
in Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa and part of Assam and Meghalaya.
(Why are laterite soil less fertile? Ans points a b c d above)
34. Describe the characteristics of forest (mountain) soil.
a. These are the soils found in the mountainous region of India like Meghalaya,
Arunachel Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
b. These soils are characterized by deposition of organic materials derived from
vegetative cover.
c. These are heterogeneous in nature and vary from place to place.
d. They are loamy and silty in valley sides and coarse grained in the upper slopes.
e. In the snow covered areas of Himalayas these soils experience denudation and
are acidic with low humus content.
35. What are arid (desert) soils?
a. These are the soils found in the arid areas of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana.
b. These sands are partly of local origin and partly have been blown from the Indus
Valley. In some areas, the soil contains high percentage of soluble salt.
c. It is sandy, coarse and porous and poor in organic matter.
d. These soils can be used for cultivation with irrigation facilities.
36. What is meant by soil erosion? How is it caused?
Removal of soil from one place to another by some natural agent is called soil erosion.
It is the process of taking away or washing away of soil cover by wind or water flow.
Soil erosion is caused by deforestation, heavy rains and running water, overgrazing,
winds and slope of the land.
37. What are ravines? Where is it found?
Ravines are bad land, turned unsuitable for cultivation by soil erosion. If the outer
cover of the soil is removed by wind or water, bad Lands are formed. In the Chambal
basin such lands are called ravines.
38. What is sheet erosion and contour ploughing?
a) When water flows as a sheet over large areas down a slope, top soil is washed away. It
is known as sheet erosion.
b) Ploughing along the contour lines is known as contour ploughing. It is a method of
controlling soil erosion.
NM ISB - 34 -
39. Suggest a few measures of controlling soil erosion.
a) Contour ploughing: Ploughing along the contour lines is known as contour
Ploughing, which reduces the flow of water. (hilly areas)
b) Terrace farming: It restricts soil erosion in hilly areas.
c) Strip Cropping: Large fields can be divided into strips. Strips of grass are left to
grow between the crops.
d) Shelter belts and planting thorny bushes: : Planting lines of trees reduce wind
force and stream flow. Planting of thorny bushes help stabilize sand dunes
in the desert areas.
40. Explain the six major land use categories of our country along with the changes
that have occurred recently.
Total area of land in India is 3.28 million sq.km., but only 93 % is available for use.
i) Net sown area : In 1960-61 its share was 45.26% which has increased to 46.24% in
2008-09.
ii) Forest : Its share was 18.11% in 1960-61 and it has increased to 22.78 % in 2008-09.
It has increased due to massive afforestation and government policies.
iii) Area under non agricultural use: Its share in 1960-61 was 4.95% and it has increased
to 5.57% in 2008-09.
iv) Permanent pastures and grazing land: Its share in 1960-61 was 4.47% and it is
reduced to 3.38 % in 2008-09. This shows tremendous pressure of livestock
population on agricultural land.
v) Culturable Waste: Its share was 6.23% in 1960-61 which has reduced to 4.17% in 2008-
09. The reduction in this category is mainly due to its conversion into net sown area.
vi) Fallow Land : The share of the current fallow land was 3.73% in 1960-61, which has
been increased to 4.76 % in 2008-09. Fallow other than current fallow has decreased
from 3.50 to 3.37.
41. How have technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?
i) It was primarily the higher level of technological development of the colonizing
countries that helped them to exploit resources of other regions and establish their
supremacy over the colonies.
ii) Technical development led to mechanization and over exploitation of resources.
Economic development led to invention of modern machineries which accelerated
over exploitation of resources.
ii) Economic development increases the standard of living of the people. It helps them
to enjoy a number of facilities and use more resources.
42. Prove by giving examples that the pattern of net sown area varies greatly from one
state to another.
Net sown area in Punjab and Haryana is over 80 % and in Arunachal Pradesh,
Mizoram, Manipur and Andaman and Nicobar Islands it is less than 10 %
NM ISB - 35 -
43. What is the importance of resources? Why is it necessary to conserve them?
Resources are vital for any developmental activity. Economic development of a country
is depended on the availability of resources.
Resources are in limited quantity. Most of them are non renewable. Irrational
consumption and over-utilization of resources may lead to socio-economic and
environmental problems. To overcome these problems, resource conservation at various
levels is important. It helps in the sustainable development. It helps to conserve the
resource for the future generation. It also helps in avoiding wastages and preventing
pollution.
Additional Questions:
01. Draw a neat diagram showing the soil profile.02. On what grounds are soils classified?
i. Soils are classified based on colour, thickness, texture, age, chemical and physical
properties.
03. What is the main purpose of resources? ( to satisfy basic needs of mankind)
04. Which mineral is mined in the Indian Ocean? (Manganese nodules)
05. What is the ill effect of accumulation of resources in few hands?
(The society will be divided in to rich and poor)
06. What was the aim of Rio de Janeiro Summit?(Achieve global sustainable development)
07. Name four ecological crisis: global warming, ozone layer depletion, environmental
pollution and land degradation.
08. What were the two aims of first earth summit?
(Environmental protection and economic development)
09. Name two river valleys in South India where black soil is found.
( Godavari valley and Krishna valley)
10. What do you mean by Deccan trap? It is the plateau formed by deposition of Basalt lava.
11. Why are yellow soils yellow in colour? (Due to the presence of iron in hydrated form)
12. Despite enormous potential solar power is not developed in Rajasthan and
Gujarat. Why ? ( Due to lack of technology and demand)
13. When and where was the first international earth submit held?
It was held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 1992
14. What is meant by Agenda 21?
i) It was the declaration signed by the world leaders in 1992 at the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development, which took place at Rio de Janeiro in
Brazil in 1992.
ii) It was an agenda to combat environmental damage , poverty, diseases through global
cooperation on common interests mutual needs and shared responsibilities in the 21st C.
iii) One major objective of the Agenda 21 is that every local government should draw its
own local Agenda 21.
15. Name any two books that advocate resource conservation.
‘Small is beautiful’ written by Schumacher and ‘Our Common future’
16. Name a ny two types of piedmont plains where alluvial soil is found.
Duars, Chos and Terai. ( any two)
17. Whom did Gandhiji make responsible for depletion of resources at the global level?
Explain any two reasons.
18. Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect national or state
boundaries. Justify the statement.
NM ISB - 36 -
Chapter 2 FORESTS AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES
1. What is bio diversity? Why is bio-diversity important for human lives?
i. Bio diversity is the short form of biological diversity. It is the existence of a
variety of plant species and animal species in the physical environment.
ii. It is important for human lives because these are the sources of resources for our
economic prosperity. The diverse flora and fauna are well integrated and it forms a
complex web of ecological system in which we are a part of it and very much
dependent on this system for our existence.
2. What are the classifications of the plant and animal species done by International
Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources?
i. Normal species: These are the species whose population is considered normal for
their survival such as cattle, sal, pine rodents etc.
ii. Endangered species: These are species which are in danger of extinction. Survival
of such species is difficult, if the negative factors continue to operate. E.g. black
buck, crocodile, Indian wild ass, Indian rhino etc.
iii. Vulnerable species: These are the species whose population has declined and soon
move into endangered category if the negative factors continue to operate. Eg.
Blue sheep, Asiatic elephant, Gangetic dolphin etc.
iv. Rare species: The species with small population may move into the endangered
category or vulnerable category if the negative factors affecting them continue to
operate. Eg. Himalayan brown bear, wild Asiatic buffalo, desert fox, hornbill etc.
v. Endemic species: These are species which are only found in some particular areas
usually isolated by natural or geographical barriers. Eg. Andaman teal, Nicobar
pigeon, Andaman wild pig, mithun in Arunachal Pradesh.
vi. Extinct species: These are the species which are already disappeared from the area,
region, country continent or the entire earth. E.g. Asiatic cheetah, pink head duck
etc.
3. What are the negative factors that cause fearful depletion of flora and fauna? OR
How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain.
i. Cutting of trees for expansion of railways, agriculture, commercial and scientific
forestry and mining activities during the colonial period led to depletion of flora
and fauna.
ii. Expansion of agriculture in all areas, and practicing shifting cultivation in
northeastern areas after the independence also affected the flora and fauna.
iii. Large-scale development projects like river valley projects destroyed thousands of
square kilometers of forests. Narmada Sagar Project will destroy 40,000 hectares
of forests.
iv. Mining activities destroy forests to a large extent. The Buxa Tiger Reserve in West
Bengal is seriously threatened by the dolomite mining, which disturbed the natural
habitat of many species and blocked the migration routes of several other species.
v. Overgrazing by animals and fuel wood collection also lead to deforestation.
NM ISB - 37 -
vi. Habitat destruction, hunting, poaching, over exploitation, environmental pollution,
poisoning and forests fires are the other factors that declined the bio-diversity in
India.
4. What are the effects of the destruction of bio-diversity in India?
Direct effects:
i. Many tribal communities or forest dependent communities are impoverished due
to the destruction of forests and wild life.
ii. Many species of plants and animals became endangered or extinct.
Indirect effects:
i. It destroyed the ecological balance.
ii. It leads to severe droughts in some parts and floods in other areas.
iii. It affected the health of women and negligence of home and children because of
their increased hours of work to collect their requirements.
5. Why do we need to conserve forests and wild life?
i. Conservation of forests and wild life preserves the ecological diversity and our life
support system, water, air, and soil. So it should be conserved.
ii. It also preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth of
species and breeding. ( add point 2 Question 1)
6. What are the measures taken to conserve wild life in India?
i. The Indian Board of Wild life was constituted in 1952 and the Indian Wild life
(protection) Act was passed in 1972.
ii. An all India list of protected species was published. The aim was to protect the
remaining population of endangered species by banning hunting, giving legal
protection to their habitat and restricting trade in wild life.
iii. There are 89 National parks, 490 wild life sanctuaries and 13 biosphere reserves,
set up in different parts of India.
iv. Central government announced many projects for protecting specific animals like
Project Tiger, Project Rhino and Project Elephant. ( add answer 9)
7. Mention some of the species of animals, which have been given full or partial legal
protection against hunting and trade through out India.
i. The Indian elephant, black buck, the great Indian bustard, and the snow leopard
have been given full or partial legal protection against hunting and trade in India.
ii. Endangered species like tiger, one horned rhino, the Kashmir stag and the
crocodiles come under this category.
8. Mention some of the tiger reserves in India.
The Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal, Sunderban National Park in West Bengal,
Sariska wild life sanctuary in Rajasthan, Manas tiger reserve in Assam and Periyar
Tiger reserve in Kerala are some of the tiger reserves in India.
NM ISB - 38 -
9. What are the recent developments in the conservation of wild life?
i. In the notification under Wild life Act of 1980 and 1986 several hundreds
butterflies, moths, beetles, and one dragonfly have been added to the list of
protected species.
ii. In 1991 for the first time, plants were also added to the list, starting with six species.
10. What are the different types of forests in India?
i) Reserved forests:
a) Reserved forests are those which are permanently earmarked either for the production
of timber or other forest produce .
b) The right of grazing and cultivation is seldom allowed in reserved forests.
c) The total percentage of reserved forests in India is 55%
ii) Protected forests:
a) Protected forests are those which are permanently earmarked either for the production
of timber or other forest produce .
b) The right of grazing and cultivation is allowed subjects to a few minor restrictions.
c) The total percentage of protected forests in India is 29 %( Reserved forests and
protected forests are also known as permanent forests).
iii) Un-classed forests:
a) These are the forests, which are not classified as reserved or protected.
These are the in-accessible forests or unoccupied wastes. These are managed by local
communities.
b) The total unclassed forests area in India is 16 %
11. Describe the distribution of different types of forests in India.
i. Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal
and Maharashtra have large percentage of reserved forests.
ii. Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent forests- 75 %
iii. Bihar , Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa and Rajasthan have a large areas
of protected forests.
iv. All north –eastern states and parts of Gujarat have a very high % of unclassed forests.
12. Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wild life in India.
i. In Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, villagers have fought against mining by
quoting the Wild Life Protection Act. In many areas, villagers themselves are
protecting the habitat.
ii. The inhabitants of five villages in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have declared 1200
hectares of forests as the Bhairodev Dakav ‘sonchuri’ declaring their own set of rules
which do not allow hunting and are protecting the wildlife against any out side
encroachments.
iii. The Chipco Movement in the Himalayas has been successfully resisted deforestation
and protected forests and wild life.
iv. Joint Forest Management programme is a good example for involving local
communities in the conservation and management of forests.
NM ISB - 39 -
13. What is meant by Joint Forest Management?
i. Joint Forest Management programme is a good example for involving local
communities in the conservation and management of forests.
ii. This programme has been in existence since 1988 in Orissa.
iii. It depends on the formation of local (village) institutions that undertakes protection
activities mostly on degraded forests land managed by forests department.
iv. In return, the members of these communities are getting intermediary benefits like
non-timber forests produce and share in the timber harvested by ‘successful
protection’.
14. Write a note on the good practices towards conserving forests and wild life in India.
i. Involvement of communities in conserving forests and wild life in India.
ii. Joint Forests Management. ( Explain the points)
15. ‘The tree is a peculiar organisms of unlimited kindness and benevolence and
Makes no demand for its sustenance , and extends generously the products of its
life activity. It affords protection to all beings, offering shade even to the axemen
who destroy it’. Study the paragraph and answer the following questions:
i. What is the nature of a tree?
ii. What is the moral value that we learn from the life of a tree?
NM ISB - 40 -
Chapter 3 WATER RESOURCES

1. How does water become a renewable resource? Explain.
Fresh water is obtained from surface water and ground water. It is continuously renewed
and recharged through the hydrological cycle. All water moves in the hydrological cycle
and ensures that water is a renewable resource.
2. How does water threaten human welfare? Or Why is it necessary to conserve water
resources? Give reasons.
a) Scarcity of water: Due to high population, increasing urbanization and rising standard
of living, there is a growing scarcity of water felt all over India.
b) Use of degraded water: In many areas, people are forced to drink and use polluted
water which causes various water borne diseases.
c) Lowering the water table: Increased use of tube wells in recent years has lowered the
water table and has caused depletion of underground water resources.
d) Inadequate supply water for irrigation; Two third of the cropped area in India is still
rainfed , which is uncertain and irregular which affects agriculture.
3. What are the causes of growing water scarcity in India?
i. Variation in the annual rainfall: The rainfall in India is unequally distributed. The
desert areas of Rajasthan receive less than 20 cm of annual rainfall and hence is
drought prone.
ii. Rapidly growing population: A large population needs more water not only for
domestic use but also for production of more food.
iii. Over exploitation of water resources: For more food production, water resources are
over exploited which leads to its scarcity.
iv. Industrialization and urbanization: Industries require a lot of water for processing and
as a cleaning agent. Much of the energy for industrial use is obtained from hydro
electricity. Urbanization changes the life style of people and demand of water
increases. It leads to water scarcity.
4. What are the quantitative and qualitative aspects of water scarcity in India?
i. Quantitative aspects: A large part of India is facing the problem of shortage of fresh
water. Variation in the annual rainfall makes these areas drought prone. Rising
population, makes the situation worse.
ii. Qualitative aspects: A number of villages and cities in India are facing the problem of
pure drinking water. Water in these areas is polluted due to domestic and industrial
wastes, chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers.
5. Why did Jawaharlal Nehru proclaim the dams as the ‘temples of modern India?
Dams would integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid
industrialization and growth of the urban economy. Therefore, Jawaharlal Nehru
proclaimed the dams as the ‘temples of modern India.
NM ISB - 41 -
6. Why are dams now referred as multipurpose projects?
Dams are now used for number of purposes at a time. They are
a) Flood control b ) Irrigation c) Navigation d ) Electricity
e) Soil conservation and preservation of wildlife through afforestation
f) Tourism or recreation (F.I.N.E.S.T. ) Hence they are called multipurpose projects.
(Explain points)
7. Why do the dams in India come under great scrutiny and opposition? ( What are the
arguments against large dams?)
i. Regulating and damming of river water affect their natural flow causing poor
sediment flow and excessive sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoirs, resulting in
rockier streambeds and poorer habitat for the river’s aquatic life.
ii. Dams prevent the migration and spawning of aquatic fauna.
iii. Construction of dams leads to submergence of land and vegetation leading to its
decomposition over a period of time.
iv. It leads to loss of livelihood to many tribal and village people and find it difficult to
rehabilitate them.
v. Dams did create conflicts between people wanting different uses and benefits from the
same water. In Gujarat the Sabarmati-basin farmers agitated against the higher priority
given to water supply in urban areas particularly during drought.
vi. Inter-state dispute also becoming common over sharing the cost and benefit of multi
purpose river valley projects. (Give example)
8. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of multi purpose river valley projects.
( Explain the two answers above)
9. What is meant by rainwater harvesting? Mention a few traditional techniques of rain
water harvesting. What value do you derive from this?
i. It is a technique of increasing the recharge of ground water by capturing and storing
rainwater.
ii. Roof top rainwater harvesting was commonly practiced to store drinking water
particularly in Rajasthan.
iii. In the flood plain of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their
fields.
iv. In arid and semi arid regions of Rajasthan agricultural fields were converted into rain
fed storage structures that allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil.
v. The value that derive from this is conservation of water. Even ancient people were
bothered about conservation of water resources.
10. Discuss how rainwater harvesting is carried out in semi arid regions of Rajasthan.
i Almost all the houses in these regions had traditional underground tank or ‘tankas’
for storing drinking water. (What are Tankas? How are they useful for storing water?)
ii The tankas could be as large as a big room.
iii The tankas were part of the well-developed roof top rainwater harvesting system and
were built inside the main house or courtyard. They were connected to the slopping
roofs of the houses through a pipe.
iv The rainwater, falling on the roof would travel down through the pipe and is stored in
the underground tanks.
NM ISB - 42 -
11. Describe how modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being
carried out to conserve and store water.
i Today in western Rajasthan the practice of roof top rainwater harvesting is declined due
to availability of ample supply of water from the Rajasthan canal.
ii In Gendathur, a remote village in Mysore, nearly 200 houses have installed roof top
rain water harvesting system.
iii In Tamil Nadu, the roof top rainwater harvesting structure is made compulsory to all
houses across the state. There are legal provisions to punish the defaulters.
iv In some areas, the ground water is recharged through hand pumps or using abandoned
wells.
12. Name any two social movements against multi purpose river valley projects.
i. ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’ ii. ‘Tehri Dam Andolan’ These resistance movements are
started against large scale displacement of local communities.
13. Who are the people benefited by multi purpose river valley projects?
i. Land owners and large farmers. ii. Industrialists and a few urban centres.
14. How does river valley projects transform social landscape? Give an example.
i. River valley projects increase the social gap between the richer landlords and land less poor.
ii. It creates conflicts between people wanting different uses and benefits from the same water
resources.
iii. In Gujarat, the Sabarmati basin farmers were agitated and almost caused a riot over the
higher priority given to water supply in urban areas, particularly during droughts.
15. What is the Krishna Godavari dispute raised by the Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
Governments?
It is regarding the diversion of more water at Koyna by the Maharashtra Government for a
multi purpose project. This would reduce down stream flow in their states with adverse
consequences for agriculture and industry.
16. Prove by giving examples that river valley projects fail to achieve the purpose for which
they were built.
i. The dams were constructed to control floods but it has triggered floods due to sedimentation in
the reservoir and due to dam failure. Release of water from dams during heavy rains aggravated
the flood situation in Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2006
ii. Multi purpose projects induced earthquakes, caused waterborne diseases and pollution resulting
from excessive use of water.
17. What is the ecological consequence of irrigation and changing of cropping pattern?
Salinization of soils.
18. Name two structures built to harvest water in hilly areas. Guls, Kuls.
19. Name two water harvesting system in Rajasthan. Khadins- and Johads.
NM ISB - 43 -
20. What is meant by hydraulic cycle? Movement of water in different forms from ocean to
atmosphere and from atmosphere to ocean.
21. Define the term ‘matkas’.
These are the earthen pots used by Rajasthan women for collecting and storing water.
22. What is bamboo drip irrigation? Mention any two features of it.
It is an indigenous method of tapping of stream and spring water by using bamboo pipes to irrigate
plantations.
i) These are 200 years old system of irrigation mostly practiced in Meghalaya.
ii) This method saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants
iii) It drips 20 to 30 drops of water per minutes at the root of the plant.
22. Why did the Sabarmati basin farmers agitate and almost cause a riot in Gujarat?
It was over the higher priority given to water supply in urban areas.
22. Describe the procedure of roof top rainwater harvesting.
23. Water scarcity in most cases is caused by over exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to
water among different social groups. Explain the meaning of the statement with the help of
examples.
NM ISB - 44 -
CHAPTER- 4 AGRICULTURE

1. ‘India is an agricultural country. ' Comment. Or Why is agricultural development a
precondition for our national prosperity? Or What is the importance of agriculture in
India?
1) India is an agricultural country. Nearly two-third of its population depends directly on
agriculture for its livelihood.
2) Agriculture is the mainstay of India's economy. It accounts for 26 % of the Gross
Domestic Product.
3) Agriculture provides 10 % of our total exports and a source of fodder for animals.
4) Its share in providing employment and livelihood to the population is 63 per cent in 2001.
2. Define the term agriculture.
The term agriculture is derived from two Latin words 'ager' meaning land and 'cultur' meaning
cultivation. Agriculture thus means land cultivation. However, it includes animal husbandry,
forestry, horticulture and pisiculture.
3. State any two reasons for the change in the methods of cultivation.
i. Change in the physical environment
ii. Change in the technological know-how
iii. Change in the socio cultural practices. (Explain)
4. Differentiate between net sown area and gross cropped area.
1) The total land cultivated in a year is called net sown area. The net sown area and the land in
the net sown area cultivated more than once together make gross cultivated area.
2) The net sown area in India at the present is 143 million hectares. It is about 46.6 % of the
total geographical area.
5. Mention in brief, the various limitations from which the Indian agriculture suffers
presently. (Drawback of Indian agriculture)
I. Agriculture is not generating sufficient employment opportunities in the country. The
growth rate in agriculture is decelerating which is an alarming situation.
II. Today, Indian farmers are facing a big challenge from international competition and
our government is going ahead with reduction in the public investment in agriculture
sector particularly in irrigation, power, rural roads, market and mechanization.
III. Subsidy on fertilizers is decreased leading to increase in the cost of production.
Moreover, reduction in import duties on agricultural products have proved detrimental
to agriculture in the country.
IV. Farmers are withdrawing their investment from agriculture causing a downfall in the
employment in agriculture.
NM ISB - 45 -
6. What is primitive subsistence farming? Why do majority of Indian farmers follow it?
i. Subsistence farming is the cultivation of crops for domestic use and not for sale. It is
practiced in small patches of land with the help of primitive tools like hoe, digging sticks
and family labour.
ii. This type of farming depends on monsoon, natural fertility of the soil and suitability of
other environmental conditions to the crops grown.
iii. Majority of Indian farmers practise subsistence farming because they have scattered land
holdings and they use only primitive tools.
iv. They are poor farmers and they can't use fertilizers and machinery. Facilities like
electricity and irrigation are not available to them.
7. Name any two local names of primitive subsistence farming.
i. It is Jhumming in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland.
ii. In Manipur it is Pamlou.
iii. It is Dipa in Bastar districts of Chattisgarh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
8. What is shifting agriculture? What are its features?
a) Shifting agriculture is the old type of agriculture. In this system, forestland is cleared to
cultivate. Crops are grown for two or three years. When the fertility is reduced the farmers
move to another area to cultivate by clearing forests again. It allows the land to replenish the
fertility of the soil through natural processes.
b) Dry paddy, maize, and vegetables are grown in this farming. The per- hectare yield is low.
It is, other wise known as ‘slash and burn’ agriculture.
Features:
a) It is a subsistence type of agriculture.
c) The rotation of field is practiced.
d) Simple implements are used.
e) Per capita or the per-hectare production is low.
f) It is practiced in the region of low density of population
9. What is intensive subsistence farming? Why do the farmers follow this type of
farming?
i. It is a type of farming practiced in the areas of high population pressure on land. It is a
labour intensive farming, where high dozes of bio-chemical inputs and irrigation are used
for obtaining high production.
ii. The farmers follow this type because their holding of land is very small due to
continuous family partition and the ‘right of inheritance’ and the absence of alternative
sources of livelihood.
10. What is commercial farming? What are its characteristics?
It is the type of farming practised mainly for sale. So they produce more than what they
require for domestic consumption. Plantation agriculture is an example of commercial
farming. Its characteristics are the following:
i. Modern inputs like High Yielding Varieties of seeds, chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and
pesticides are used.
NM ISB - 46 -
ii. The yield per hectare or productivity is very high.
iii. It is a mechanized farming system in which modern machinery is used.
iv. Irrigation facilities are available to this farming technique.
11. What are the features of plantation agriculture?
Plantation agriculture is bush or tree farming. The British introduced it in the 19th Century. Its
features are the following:
1) It is a single crop farming in a large area. It includes tea, coffee, cocoa, spices, coconut,
apples, grapes, oranges etc.
2) It is a capital-intensive agriculture and requires good managerial ability.
3) It requires technical know-how, sophisticated machinery, fertilizes, irrigation and
transport facilities.
4) It is normally developed in hilly areas of northeastern India, Nilgiri, Aanamalai and
Cardamom hills.
5) Since the production is on large quantity processing factory also is built with in or close
to it.
6) All the produce is used as raw material in respective industries and has an interface of
agriculture and industry.
12. What are the factors that play an important role in the development of plantations?
i. A well-developed network of transport and communication system is an important factor since
the plantation agriculture is market-oriented.
ii. Processing industries with in the estate and the technical know-how play an important role in
its development.
13. Which are the different crop seasons in India?
i. Kharif Crop season: The ' Kharif ' season starts with the onset of monsoon and continues till
the beginning of winter i.e. from June – July to September -October. Crops like rice, maize,
millet, cotton, groundnut, moong, urad etc. are grown in Kharif season.
ii. Rabi Crop Season: Rabi season starts in winter from October to December and harvested in
summer from April to June. Crops such as wheat, barley, grain, linseed, rapeseed and mustard
seeds are grown in rabi season.
iii. Zaid season: It is a crop season between Rabi and Kharif seasons practised during the end of
summer in March to May. Crops like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, vegetables, and
fodder crops are grown during this period.
14. State any two reasons for the success of rabi crops in wheat producing areas.
i. Availability of precipitation during winter months due to western temperate cyclones helps the
growth of these crops.
ii. The success of Green Revolution in Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and parts of
Rajasthan helped a lot in the growth of rabi crops.
15. Why is the extension of green revolution necessary in India?
( Growing population and declining trend of food production- for food security- For making use
of abundant natural gas to manufacture fertilizers- to have a favourable land use pattern and to
increase the net sown area) .(Explain points)
NM ISB - 47 -
16. Name an important staple crop of India and the regions where it is produced. Or
Describe the temperature and rainfall conditions necessary for the growth of rice. Name
the major areas of rice production. Or What are the features of rice cultivation in
India?
Rice is the most important staple crop in India. It is a tropical plant. It requires high temperature
and high humidity for its successful growth. The mean monthly temperature of about 25°C, with
minor variations during, sowing, growing and harvesting seasons, is ideal for its cultivation.
It grows well in areas of 100 cm of rainfall. In the areas of less rainfall, it is grown with the help
of irrigation. The most important rice producing areas are Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu ( BUPAT)
17. Into how many heads can we group the varieties of crops conveniently?
(Cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fibre crops, beverage crops and cash crops. (Give examples.)
18. Describe the temperature and rainfall conditions necessary for the growth of wheat. Name
the major areas of wheat production.
India is the second largest producer of wheat after China. It is a rabi crop.
The ideal temperature at the time of sowing wheat is 10 to 15° C and at the time of harvest, it is
20 to 25° C.
The crop grows well in areas where rainfall is 50 to 75 cm. It requires well-drained fertile lands.
This crop requires cool growing season and a bright sunshine at the time of ripening. It grows
well in two wheat growing zones in India viz. the Ganga Satluj plains in the north-west and the
black soil region in the Deccan.
The major areas of wheat cultivation is Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and
Bihar.(PHURB)
19. What are millets? Why are millets a very important food crop in India?
a) Millets are the third most important food crops in India, after rice and wheat.
Jowar, bajra and ragi are some of the important millets grown in India. They have high
nutritional value. Ragi is rich in iron, calcium and other micro nutrients.
b) Jowar is produced in many states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
and Madhya Pradesh.
c) Rajasthan is the largest producer of Bajra. It is also produced in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Gujarat and Haryana.
d) Ragi is produced mainly in the drier parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
e) Rice and Wheat cannot provide the total food of India. So millets are important to support
the food requirements.
20. State the importance of ragi crop in India.
i. It belongs to the millet group. Rice and Wheat cannot provide the total food for India.
Therefore, millets are important to support the food requirements.
ii. Ragi has a high nutritional value. Ragi is rich in iron, calcium and other micronutrients.
iii. It is a crop of dry region and grows well on red, black, sandy, loamy, and shallow black soils.
iv. Karnataka is the largest producer of ragi followed by Tamil Nadu.
NM ISB - 48 -
21. Describe the characteristics of maize and its cultivation.
(a) Maize is a coarse grain and used as both food and fodder.
(b) It is grown under varied soil and climatic conditions.
(c) It grows well in areas of 50 to 100cm of rain and in areas of less rain it is grown under
irrigation.
(d) It grows well under temperature between 21 and 27°C and grows well in old alluvial soil.
(e) It requires well-drained fertile soil.
(f) It is cultivated mainly as a kharif crop.
(g) Major maize producing states are Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and
Andhra Pradesh(KUMBA)
22. Describe the importance of pulses as a food crop and its cultivation. State any two important
pulses and mention the states producing it.
(a) Pulses are the major sources of protein in a vegetarian diet.
(b) These are grown all over the country except the areas of heavy rainfall.
(c) Pulses like Tur, Arhar and Urad are kharif crops and Moong and Masur, Peas and Gram
are rabi crops.
(d) Plants of pulses help in restoring fertility of the soil and hence they are grown in rotation
with other crops.
(e) Two important pulses are Gram and Tur. Gram is produced in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar
Pradesh and Rajasthan(MUR) and Tur is produced in Maharashtra, UttarPradesh, Karnataka,
Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh(MUKAM).
23. What is the importance of oil seeds in India? Describe any one and its distribution.
(a) Oil seeds are used to make vegetable oil, which is an important item of Indian food.
(b) Oil cake, the residue after oil is extracted from the seeds, is an important cattle feed.
(c) India is the largest producer of oil seeds in the world.
The major oil seeds are the following:
(a) Groundnut: It accounts for about half of the major oil seeds produced in the country.
It is a kharif crop.Its major producers are Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
and Maharashtra.(TG.KAM).
The other oil seeds are Sesamum, Rapeseed and Mustard seed and Lin seed:
24. Name an important beverage crop and specify the geographical conditions required for its
growth.
Tea is an important beverage crop in India.
(1) Tea cultivation in India is a classic example of plantation agriculture. It is a tropical as well
as a sub-tropical plant.
(2)Tea grows well in deep and fertile well-drained soil, rich in humus and organic matter.
(3) It requires warm and moist frost-free climate all through the year.
(4) It is a labour intensive crop and requires cheap and skilled labour.
(5)The ideal temperature for its growth is 20 to 30°C and annual rainfall of 150 to 300 cm.
(6) High humidity is good for the rapid development of tender leaves.
Major tea producing states are Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
NM ISB - 49 -
25. What is the importance of rubber production as a cash crop?
(1) Rubber is produced from the latex of a number of different species of rubber tree.
(2) It is used for manufacture of a number of industrial products like tyres and tubes.
(3)India is the fifth major rubber producing country in the world.
(4) About 97% of the country’s demand for natural rubber is met from domestic production.
(5) The tree requires moist and humid climate with rainfall more than 200cm. and temperature
above 25°C.
(6) Kerala produces about nine-tenth of the total production of rubber. The other rubber
producing states are Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam and Tripura.
( Write the temperature and rainfall conditions required for rubber cultivation. Explain point 5)
26. Which are the important fibre crops in India. Mention the major producing areas of any two
crops.
i) Cotton, Jute, Silk and Wool are the important fibre crops of India. Cotton is grown in
tropical and sub-tropical areas.
ii) It requires at least 210 frost-free days. It is grown well in black and alluvial soils.
iii) It requires 6 to 8 months to mature and it is a kharif crop. It requires a lot of cheap and
efficient labour at the time of plucking of cotton balls. At the time of harvest, the weather
should be fine to maintain the luster of cotton.
iv) The main cotton producing states are Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and
Maharashtra.
a) Jute is a crop of hot and humid climate. The crop takes 8 to 10 months to mature.
b) The fibre is obtained from the retting of the plant.
c) It is used in making bags, mats, ropes, yarn, carpets and other artifacts.
d) It is produced in Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya.
27. How have the technological and institutional reforms been able to improve the conditions of
Indian agriculture? Explain with suitable examples.
Technological Reforms.
a) Modern machineries are used in agriculture for ploughing, sowing, harvesting and thrashing.
b) Indian farmers have started to use chemical fertilizers on a large scale.
c) High Yielding Varieties and early maturing quality seeds have been introduced to increase
the agricultural production.
d) Irrigation facilities have improved with the constructions of canals and the introduction of
motor pumps, drip irrigation and use of sprinklers.
Institutional Reforms. ( Enlist the various institutional reform programmes introduced by the
Government in the interest of farmers.
a) The govt. abolished the Zamindari system to protect the interest of the farmers.
b) The Govt. encouraged the consolidation of smallholdings of land to make them more
profitable.
c) The widespread use of radio and television acquainted farmers in new and improved
techniques of cultivation.
d) The crop insurance against drought, flood, fire, cyclone and diseases was another set up to
protect the farmers in new and improved techniques of cultivation.
e) Easy availability of capital or investment, through a well-knit network of rural banking like
‘Grammen banks’ was introduced.
NM ISB - 50 -
f) Special bulletins for farmers were introduced in T.V. and radios to take precautionary
measures.
g) Minimum support price for various crops is introduced to remove uncertainty of
prices and sales.
h) Issue of Kissan Credit Cards and introduction of Personal Accident Insurance Scheme are
some other measures taken.
28. Point out the initiative taken by the Government to ensure the increase in the agricultural
production.
i. The Government of India started a number of agricultural reforms to improve Indian
agriculture in the 1960s and 1970s. The Green revolution based on the use of package
technology and the White Revolution were some of the strategies adopted.
ii. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Agricultural Universities, Veterinary services,
Horticulture Department, research and development in the field of meteorology and weather
forecast were given priority to modernize agriculture and to improve it.
iii. Comprehensive land development programmes, which included the institutional and
technological reforms, were introduced in 1980s and 1990s.
iv. ( add relevant points from answer 27 )
29. The land under cultivation has been reduced day by day. What are its consequences?
i. It affects the food security in India. There will be acute shortage of food grains in India
since the population is increasing.
ii. A major part of our foreign exchange will have to be spent for importing food grains.
iii. Majority of the population in India will have to find alternate occupation since agricultural
activity is declining.
iv. It affects the dependent cattle population in India and even affects the ecological balance.
30. Explain any four features of the comprehensive land development programmes
initiated in our country during 1980s and 1990s.
i. Comprehensive land development programmes, which included the institutional and
technological reforms, were introduced in 1980s and 1990s.
ii. The widespread use of radio and television acquainted farmers with new and improved
techniques of cultivation.
iii. The crop insurance against drought, flood, fire, cyclone and diseases was another schemes to
protect the farmers against crop failures.
iv. Easy availability of capital or investment through a well-knit network of rural banking like
‘Grammen banks’ were introduced.
v. Special bulletins for farmers were introduced in T.V. and radios to make precautionary
measures and to get the farmers acquainted with modern techniques of farming.
vi. Issue of Kissan Credit Cards and introduction of Personal Accident Insurance Scheme are
some other measures taken.
vii. The government also announced minimum support price for important crops to check the
exploitation of farmers by speculators and intermediaries. (any four)
NM ISB - 51 -
31. Name a commercial crop of Punjab and Haryana, which is a subsistence crop in
Odisha.
Ans: Rice
32. Name any two types of paddy grown in Assam, West Bengal and Odisha.
Ans: Aus, Aman and Boro.
33. Name the inputs in commercial farming.
(HYV seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, irrigation, modern technology)
34. What are the challenges faced by India farmers today?
i. Today Indian Farmers are facing a big challenge from international competition and our
government is going ahead with reduction in public investment in agriculture sector
particularly in irrigation, power, rural roads, market and mechanization.
ii. Subsidy on fertilizers is decreased leading to increase in the cost of production.
iii. More over reduction in import duties on agricultural products have proved detrimental to
agriculture in the country.
iv. Farmers are withdrawing their investment from agriculture causing a downfall in the
employment in agriculture.
35. Why is the declining share of agriculture in the GDP a matter of serious concern?
Because any decline and stagnation in agriculture will lead to a decline in other spheres of
the economy having wider implications for society.
36. Wheat and rice farming in India are fairly different from each other. Justify the
statement.