SST Question Bank
SST Question Bank
SST Question Bank
Q.2. Which latitude and longitude divides India almost into two equal halves?
Q.3. Name the island groups situated to the southeast and southwest of the mainland. Ans. Southeast – Andaman
and Nicobar islands Southwest – Lakshadweep
2. Pakistan in North-west
4. Bhutan in North-east
5. Bangladesh in east
Q.7. Name the countries that share their land boundaries with India.
• Indian sub-continent encompasses vast areas of diverse landmasses. Indian subcontinent comprises of lofty
mountains, fertile plains, desert and plateau.
• There is also great vastness and diversities in terms of climate, natural vegetation, wildlife and other resources.
• Also, the vivid characteristics of culture and tradition among the people make it a subcontinent.
Q.9. “India lies to the North-eastern Hemisphere.” Justify the given statement.
Ans. 1. India lies to the east of Prime meridian between the longitudes 68°7´E to 97025’E.
2. Also, India lies to the North of equator between the latitudes 8°4´N to 37°6´N.
3. Important lines like Tropic of Cancer, 23030´N and Indian Standard Meridian, 82030’E pass through India. Hence,
all this proves that India lies in the North-eastern hemisphere.
Q.10. How do we calculate the time difference from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat?
Ans. Sun rays take 4 minutes to cover one longitude. From Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat there are 30 longitudes
(68°7´E to 97°25´E)
Calculation Time taken by light to cross a longitude = 4 min Time taken by light to cross 30 longitudes = 4X30= 120
min or 2 hours.
Hence, we can say that the time difference of 2 hours exists from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat.
Q.11. Inspite of the time differences, how does India adopt a uniform time?
Ans. India has a uniform time because we have adopted 82°30’ longitude passing through Mirzapur near Allahabad
as the standard meridian. Therefore, time along this meridian is accepted as the standard time for whole country.
This is done to avoid any confusion that may arise due to difference in time as a result of vast longitudinal extent of
India.
Q.12. The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of great significance. Why?
Ans. 1. The Indian landmass has the central location between the East and the West Asia. The Trans Indian Ocean
routes connect the countries of Europe in the west and the countries of East Asia.
2. The Deccan Peninsula in the Indian Ocean helps to establish close contacts from the western coastal plains and
the eastern coastal plains.
3. The long coastline of the country in the Indian Ocean gives it an eminent position which justifies the name of the
ocean.
Q.13. How can you say that the land routes of India with other countries are older than her maritime routes?
Ans. 1. The various passes across the mountains in the north have provided passages to the travellers when the
oceans restricted such an interaction for a long time.
2. These routes have contributed in the exchange of ideas and commodities in the ancient times like the ideas of the
Upnishads, Ramayana, The Indian numerals and the decimal system.
3. Also, the influence of Greek sculpture, and the architectural styles of domes and minarets can be seen in the
different parts of our country. Therefore, we can say that the land routes of India with other countries are older than
her maritime routes.
Q.14. Why the difference between the duration of day and night hardly felt at Kanyakumari but not so in Kashmir?
Ans. 1. Due to the vast latitudinal extent of India, the difference between the duration of day and night is hardly felt
at Kanyakumari but not so in Kashmir.
2. The tropic of Cancer divides the country almost into tropical and sub-tropical zone. 3. Since, Kanyakumari lies in
the tropical zone, therefore, the duration of day and night is not so felt and Kashmir lying in the sub-tropical zone, we
do experience the difference of day and night.
15) Give a brief account of India’s cultural contact with the outside world.
Ans: i) The various passes across the mountains in the north have provided passages to the ancient travellers, while
the oceans restricted such interaction for a long time.
ii) These routes have contributed in the exchange of ideas and commodities since ancient times. The ideas of the
Upanishads and the Ramayana, the stories of Panchtantra, the Indian numerals and the decimal system thus could
reach many parts of the world.
iii) The spices, muslin and other merchandise were taken from India to different countries. On the other hand, the
influence of Greek sculpture, and the architectural styles of dome and minarets from West Asia can be seen in
different parts of our country.
16) Why is the difference in day and night hardly felt at Kanyakumari, but not in Delhi?
Ans: Kanyakumari is located near to the equator. Therefore it experience direct sunrays for nearly 6 to 8 months
continuously. Delhi is located far away from the equator. So the difference of day and night is longer in Kashmir.
History CHAPTER 1: THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
Q.1. what was the subsistence crisis? Why did it occur in France during the Old Regime?
Ans. 1- The population of France was on the rise. It rose from 23 million in 1715 to 28 million in 1789.This led to
increase in the demand for food grains.
2-The production of food grains could not keep pace with the demand and the price of bread which was thestaple
diet of the majority Rose rapidly.
3- The wages also did not keep pace with the rise in prices. The gap between the Rich and the poor widened. This led
to the subsistence crisis.
Q.2.What was the system of voting in the Estates General? What change did the Third Estate want in this system?
Ans. Voting in the Estates General in the past had been conducted
Members of the Third Estate demanded that voting must now be conducted by the assembly as a whole, where each
member would have one vote.
This was according to the democratic principles put forward by philosophers like Rousseau in his book, The Social
Contract.
Q.3. Describe the incidents that led to the storming of the Bastille.
Ans. 1- National Assembly was busy at Versailles drafting a constitution; the rest of France was seething with turmoil.
2- A severe winter had meant a bad harvest, the price of bread rose. Often bakers exploited the situation and
hoarded supplies.
3- After spending hours in long queues at the bakery, crowds of angry women stormed into the shops.
4- At the same time, the king ordered troops to move into Paris. On 14 July, the agitated crowd stormed and
destroyed Bastille.
Q.4. Describe how the new political system of constitutional monarchy worked in France.
Ans The constitution of 1791 vested the power to make laws in the National Assembly, which was indirectly elected.
That is,
Citizens voted for a group of electors, who in turn chose the Assembly. Not all citizens, however, had the right to
vote.
Only men above 25 years of age who paid taxes equal to at least 3 days of a labourer’s wage were given the status of
active citizens, that is, they were entitled to vote.
The remaining men and all women were classed as passive citizens.
To qualify as an elector and then as a member of the Assembly, a man had to belong to the highest bracket of
taxpayers.
Q.5.What was ‘natural and inalienable rights’?
Ans1-.The constitution began with a Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens
2- Rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law were established as
‘natural and inalienable rights’, i.e., they belonged to each human being by birth and could not be taken away
3-It was the duty of the state to protect each citizen’s natural right.
Q.6Why did slavery begin and why was it abolished in French colonies?
Ans1-.The slave trade began in the 17th century. The colonies in the Caribbean –Martinique, Guadeloupe and San
Domingo – were important Suppliers of commodities.
2- But the reluctance of Europeans to go and work in distant and unfamiliar lands meant a shortage of labour on the
plantations.
3- Throughout the eighteenth century there was little criticism of slavery in France. The National Assembly did not
pass any laws, fearing opposition from businessmen whose incomes depended on the slave trade
4- It was the Convention which in 1794 legislated to free all slaves in the French overseas possessions. This, however,
turned out to be a short-term measure. Napoleon reintroduced slavery.
Q.7. Explain what a revolution is. In what way did the French Revolution mean different things to different people?
Ans It is an attempt by a large number of people to change the government of a country, especially by violent action.
The Third Estate comprising the common men benefitted from the Revolution. The clergy and nobility had to
relinquish power.
Their land was confiscated. Their privileges were finished. The people of lower middle class also benefitted.
Clergy, feudal lords, nobles and even women were disappointed. The revolution did not bring real equality as
everyone was not given the right to vote meaning women who got it finally in 1946.
Q.8. Who was the people who comprised the Third Estate? Who paid the taxes and to whom?
Ans
1-The people who comprised the Third Estate were big businessmen, merchants, lawyers, peasants, artisans, small
peasants, landless labour and servants.
2- These were 95 per cent of the population. They had to pay taxes to the state. Taxes included taille, tithes and a
number of indirect taxes.
Q.9Who formed the National Assembly? On what date is ‘Bastille Day’ celebrated and why?
Ans.1-The representatives of the Third Estate assembled at Versailles on 20 June and declared themselves a National
Assembly
2-The Bastille Day is celebrated on 14th July every year because on this day the unruly Paris mob stormed and
attacked the prison of Bastille which was considered a symbol of terror and despotism.
Q.10 Name three famous writers and philosophers who influenced the French- Revolution. What were their ideas?
Ans.1. Jean Jacques Rousseau – a French Swiss philosopher. His main idea was – man is naturally good and that
society of civilisation makes man anxious and unhappy.
Locke sought to refute the doctrine of the divine and absolute right
3.Montesquieu- In his The Spirit of the Laws, he proposed a division of power within the government between
4. Mirabeau – he brought about a journal and delivered powerful speeches to the crowds at Versailles.
5. Voltaire – A famous French writer. He exposed the evils prevailing in the Church and administration. The numbers
of the first two estates were the (i) Clergy and (ii) Nobility respectively.
Q.1. Explain the importance of the following events on the course of the French Revolution:
Ans.
(a) On July 14, 1789, a mob of Paris stormed the fortress – the prison of Bastille – considered a symbol of oppression
and despotism. The Swiss guards were killed and prisoners set free. The mob stole arms and ammunition. To this day,
France celebrates ‘Bastille Day’ on 14thJuly every year.
(b) In 1790, the Civil Constitution nationalised the church. The clergy or group of persons who enjoyed special
powers in the church were also forced to relinquish power. Tithes were abolished and lands owned by the church
were confiscated.
Q.2. Describe the Reign of Terror and role played by Robespierre in it.
Ans.
1. Maximilian Robespierre, leader of the Jacobins, followed the policy of severe control and punishment.
2. All those he saw as enemies of the Republic — ex-nobles, clergy, political opponents — were arrested, tried
and guillotined if found guilty.
Robespierre followed his policies so relentlessly that even his supporters began to demand moderation. Finally, he
was convicted, arrested and guillotined in July 1794.
(iii)Sceptre
Ans.
(i) the broken chains: Chains were used to fetter slaves. A broken chain stands for the act of becoming free.
(ii) The bundle of rods or fasces: One rod can be easily broken, but not an entire bundle.Strength lies in unity.
(iv)Snake biting its tail to form a ring: Symbol of eternity. A ring has neither beginning nor end.
(v) Red Phrygian cap: Cap worn by a slave upon becoming free.
(vi)The law tablet: The law is the same for all, and all are equal before it.
Ans.
1- They got their name from the former convent of St. Jacob in Paris.
3-They included small shopkeepers, artisans such as shoemakers, pastry cooks, watch-makers, printers, as well as
servants and daily wage earners.
6-This was to set themselves apart from the fashionable sections of society especially the nobles who wore knee
breeches.
Q.5. Discuss the participation of women in political clubs, their activities and demands.
Ans.
From the very beginning, women were active participants in the events which brought about so many important
changes in French society.
1. They hoped that their involvement would pressurise the revolutionary government to introduce measures to
improve their lives.
2. Most women of the third estate had to work for a living. They worked as seamstresses or laundresses, sold
flowers, fruits and vegetables at the market, or were employed as domestic servants in the houses of prosperous
people.
3. Most women did not have access to education or job training. Their wages were lower than those of men.
4. One of their main demands was that women should be given the same political rights as men.
5. Women were disappointed that the constitution of 1791 reduced them to passive citizens.
Q.6. Describe the causes for the fall of Jacobin government in France.
Ans.
(i) The Jacobin government in France was based on extreme measures. The period from 1793-1794 is referred to as
the reign of terror. Robespierre followed a policy of severe Control and punishment.
(ii)All those he saw as being ‘enemies’ of the republic nobles and clergy, members of other political parties, even
members of his own party who did not agree with his methods–were arrested, imprisoned and guillotined. This led
to chaos and resentment among the people.
(iii)Robespierre’s government ordered shutting down of churches and converting church buildings into barricades or
offices. Thus the clergy turned against the Jacobin regime and hastened its fall.
(iv) Robespierre pursued his policies so relentlessly that even his supporters turned against him. They began to
demand moderation and a middle path. Finally, he himself was tried by a court in July 1794, arrested and guillotined.
HOTS
Q.1What landmark decisions were taken by the National Assembly led by the Third Estate on 4th August, 1789
Ans.
1- Louis XVI finally accorded recognition to the National Assembly and accepted theprinciple that his powers would
be checked by a constitution.
2- On 4 August 1789, the Assembly passed a decree abolishing the feudal system of obligations and taxes. Members
of the clergy too were forced to give up their privileges
.3- Tithes were abolished and lands owned by the church were confiscated. As a result, the government acquired
assets worth at least 2, billion lives.ORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
1-The Declaration of the Right of Man in France was a landmark decision in the history of France.
2- The constitution began with a declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. Rights such as the right to life, freedom
of speech, freedom of opinion, equality before law, were established as ‘natural and inalienable’ rights. That is, they
belonged to each human being by birth and could not be taken away
.3- It was the duty of the state to protect each citizen's natural rights. The declaration of the Right of Man and
Citizens influenced revolutionary movements elsewhere too.
Q.3. Discuss the participation of women in political clubs, their activities and demands.
Ans.
1-Women played important role regarding various activities. In order to discuss and voice their interests women
started their own political clubs and newspapers. About sixty women’s clubs came up in different French cities.
2.The Society of Revolutionary and Republican Women was the most famous of them, their main demands were that
(b) They demanded the right to vote, to be elected to the Assembly and to hold political office.
3- In the early years, the revolutionary government did introduce laws that helped improve the lives of women.
Together with the creation of state schools, schooling was made compulsory for all girls. Their fathers could no longer
force them into marriage against their will. Marriage was made into a contract entered into freely and registered
under civil law. Divorce was made legal, and could be applied for by both women and men. Women could now train
for jobs, could become artists or run small businesses.
4- Women’s struggle for equal political rights, however, continued. During the Reign of Terror, the new government
issued laws ordering closure of women’s clubs, and banning their political activities. Women’s movements for voting
rights and equal wages continued through the next two hundred years in many countries of the world. It was finally
in 1946 that women in France won the right to vote.