10th Standard Social Science - 2nd Mid Term Exam 2024
Question Paper with Solutions
I. Choose the correct answer. (7 × 1 = 7)
1. Where were the sons of the Tipu Sultan sent after the Vellore revolt?
a) Calcutta
b) Mumbai
c) Delhi
d) Mysore
Answer: a) Calcutta
2. Who set up the first Home rule league in April 1916?
a) Annie Besant
b) Bibin Chandrapal
c) Lala Lajpat Rai
d) Tilak
Answer: d) Tilak
3. Who was arrested during the anti Rowlatt protests in Amritsar?
a) Modilal Nehru
b) Dr.Saifuddin Kitchlew
c) Mohammad Ali
d) Rajkumar Shukla
Answer: b) Dr.Saifuddin Kitchlew
4. Which one of the following river flow into the Arabian Sea?
a) Periyar
b) Kaveri
c) Chittar
d) Bhavani
Answer: a) Periyar
5. A major hydro-electric power project of Tamilnadu is ______.
a) Mettur
b) Papanasam
c) Sathanur
d) Thungabaudra
Answer: a) Mettur
6. MC Mahon line is a border between ______.
a) Burma and India
b) India and Nepal
c) India and China
d) India and Bhutan
Answer: c) India and China
7. Under which tax on nation one uniform tax is ensured?
a) Value added tax(VAT)
b) Income tax
c) Goods and Service tax
d) Sales tax
Answer: c) Goods and Service tax
II. Answer briefly (any six) (6 × 2 = 12)
8. What was the significance of the battle of Kalakadu?
The Battle of Kalakadu holds significance as it was a major victory for the Palayakkarars against the British East India Company's forces. In this battle, Puli Thevar's troops decisively defeated a large contingent of sepoys led by Mahfuzkhan. This victory boosted the morale of the native rulers and demonstrated that the British forces could be challenged.
9. Name the territories annexed by the British under the Doctrine of lapse.
The territories annexed by the British under the Doctrine of Lapse were:
- Satara (1848)
- Jaitpur and Sambalpur (1849)
- Baghat (1850)
- Udaipur (1852)
- Jhansi (1853)
- Nagpur (1854)
10. The terms of the Poona Pact.
The main terms of the Poona Pact (1932) were:
- The system of separate electorates for the depressed classes was abolished.
- Instead, the principle of joint electorate with reserved seats was accepted.
- The number of reserved seats for the depressed classes was increased from 71 to 148 in the provincial legislatures and 18% of the total in the Central Legislature.
11. During cyclone how does the Metrological department warn the fisherman?
The Meteorological Department warns fishermen about cyclones through various channels:
- Broadcast Media: Warnings are broadcasted through All India Radio, Doordarshan, and private TV channels.
- Print Media: Information is published in local and national newspapers.
- Digital Communication: Warnings are sent via SMS, and mobile apps.
- Specialized Systems: The 'Tsunami Early Warning System' and satellite-based communication systems are used to send direct alerts to coastal communities and fishing vessels.
12. Name the important multipurpose projects of Tamilnadu.
Some of the important multipurpose projects in Tamilnadu are:
- Mettur Dam (Stanley Reservoir)
- Bhavanisagar Dam
- Amaravathi Dam
- Krishnagiri Dam
- Sathanur Dam
- Vaigai Dam
- Papanasam Dam
- Parambikulam Aliyar Project
13. List any four guiding principles of Panchsheel.
Four guiding principles of Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence) are:
- Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
- Mutual non-aggression.
- Mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
- Equality and mutual benefit.
14. Name the neighbouring countries of India?
India shares its land borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan in the northwest, China, Nepal, and Bhutan in the north, and Bangladesh and Myanmar in the east. In the south, across the sea, lie our island neighbours - Sri Lanka and Maldives.
15. What is Progressive Tax?
A progressive tax is a tax in which the tax rate increases as the taxable amount increases. This means that individuals with higher incomes pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes than those with lower incomes. The principle behind it is that those who can afford to pay more should contribute a larger share. A prime example is the personal income tax.
16. Why are wages low in the agriculture sector?
Wages are low in the agriculture sector due to several reasons:
- Surplus Labour: There is a large supply of unskilled labour, which keeps wages down (disguised unemployment).
- Seasonal Employment: Agricultural work is seasonal, leading to a lack of year-round employment and income security.
- Lack of Alternative Jobs: Limited non-farm job opportunities in rural areas force people to accept low wages.
- Low Productivity: Small landholdings and traditional farming methods result in low agricultural productivity, which in turn affects the capacity to pay higher wages.
III. Answer in detail (any four) (4 × 5 = 20)
17. Account for the outbreak of Vellore revolt in 1806.
Causes of the Vellore Revolt (1806)
The Vellore Revolt was a result of several cumulative grievances of the Indian sepoys against the British East India Company.- Grievances of Indian Soldiers: The sepoys were discontent with their low salaries, poor promotion prospects, and racial discrimination by British officers. They were treated as inferior.
- New Military Regulations: In 1806, Sir John Craddock, the Commander-in-Chief, introduced new military regulations that were seen as an attack on their religious and social customs.
- Sepoys were forbidden to wear caste marks or religious symbols (like earrings) on their foreheads while on duty.
- They were ordered to shave their beards and trim their moustaches in a uniform manner.
- The New Turban: The most provocative change was the introduction of a new turban, known as the 'Agnew's Turban'. It had a leather cockade made from cow and pig hide. This was deeply offensive to both Hindu and Muslim sepoys, as cows are sacred to Hindus and pigs are considered unclean by Muslims.
- Presence of Tipu's Family: After the fourth Anglo-Mysore War, Tipu Sultan's sons and their families were interned in the Vellore Fort. Their presence served as a rallying point for the rebels who hoped to restore their rule.
Outbreak and Course of the Revolt
On 10th July 1806, in the early hours, the sepoys of the 1st and 23rd regiments started the revolt. They killed Colonel Fancourt, the commander of the garrison, and over 100 other British officers and soldiers. The rebels hoisted the flag of the Mysore Sultanate over the fort and declared Tipu Sultan's son, Fateh Hyder, as their new ruler. However, the revolt was swiftly and brutally crushed by Colonel Gillespie, who arrived from Arcot with a relief force.18. Critically examine the civil Disobedience movement as the typical example of Gandhian movement.
The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) is a quintessential example of a Gandhian movement, embodying his core principles of Satyagraha, non-violence (Ahimsa), and mass participation.
- Based on Truth and Non-Violence (Satyagraha): The movement's foundation was the "Dandi March" or "Salt Satyagraha." Gandhi chose to defy the British Salt Act, a law that symbolized colonial exploitation, as salt was a basic necessity. By marching 241 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal town of Dandi to make salt, he performed a symbolic act of non-violent defiance. This was a moral and spiritual challenge to an unjust law.
- Mass Participation: True to Gandhian ideals, the movement was not limited to an elite group. It saw widespread participation from all sections of society - peasants, workers, students, and a significant number of women, who came out of their homes to join protests for the first time on such a large scale.
- Civil Disobedience: The movement involved the deliberate and peaceful breaking of specific laws. After the Dandi March, people across India began making salt illegally, boycotting foreign goods, refusing to pay taxes (like the chaukidari tax), and picketing liquor shops. This widespread civil disobedience aimed to make the British administration dysfunctional.
- Self-Suffering and Moral High Ground: Protesters faced brutal police repression, including lathi charges and imprisonment, without retaliating. At places like the Dharasana Salt Works, satyagrahis marched peacefully to be beaten down by the police, an event that garnered international attention and exposed the brutality of colonial rule. This adherence to non-violence even in the face of extreme provocation gave the movement immense moral strength.
- Constructive Programme: Alongside defiance, the movement also promoted constructive activities like spinning khadi, promoting Hindu-Muslim unity, and working for the upliftment of the 'untouchables', whom Gandhi called 'Harijans'.
In essence, the Civil Disobedience Movement was a masterclass in Gandhian strategy, combining non-violent mass protest with a strong moral and ethical framework to challenge the might of the British Empire.
19. Plateau region of Tamilnadu.
The plateau region of Tamil Nadu is located between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. It is roughly triangular in shape and covers an area of about 60,000 sq. km. The plateau is broader in the north and narrows down towards the south. Its height increases from east to west, ranging from 150 to 600 meters. This region can be further divided into:
- Baramahal Plateau: This is a part of the Mysore plateau located in the northwestern part of Tamil Nadu. Its height ranges from 300 to 700 meters. The districts of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri are located in this region.
- Coimbatore Plateau: Located between the Nilgiris and Dharmapuri districts, this plateau is in the western part of the state. Its height varies from 150 to 450 meters. This region includes the districts of Salem, Coimbatore, and Erode. The Moyar river separates this plateau from the Mysore plateau.
- Madurai Plateau: This plateau is found in the south, extending up to the foothills of the Western Ghats. It includes the districts of Madurai, Dindigul, and Theni. The Vaigai and Tamiraparani basins are located in this region.
20. A. Distinguish:
i.) Marine fishing and Inland fishing.
| Feature | Marine Fishing | Inland Fishing |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Carried out in oceans and seas. Tamil Nadu has a long coastline. | Carried out in freshwater bodies like rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and estuaries. |
| Type of Fish | Sardines, Mackerel, Shark, Catfish, etc. | Catla, Rohu, Mrigals, and other freshwater species. |
| Scale | Generally large-scale, using mechanized boats and trawlers. Caters to domestic and export markets. | Mostly small-scale, using traditional methods. Primarily caters to local markets. |
| Infrastructure | Requires fishing harbours, cold storage, and processing units. | Requires hatcheries for fish breeding and development of reservoirs. |
ii) Food crops and non food crops.
| Feature | Food Crops | Non-food Crops (Cash Crops) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Grown for human consumption as staple food. | Grown primarily for sale in the market to earn revenue, not for direct consumption by the farmer. |
| Examples | Paddy (Rice), Millets (Jowar, Bajra), Maize, Pulses, Wheat. | Cotton, Sugarcane, Tobacco, Jute, Oilseeds, Tea, Coffee. |
| Economic Nature | Mainly for subsistence, though surplus is sold. | Mainly commercial in nature. They are raw materials for industries. |
B. Give reasons: Eastern ghats are not continuous range.
The Eastern Ghats are not a continuous mountain range like the Western Ghats because they have been eroded and dissected by the large, east-flowing rivers of peninsular India. Major rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri originate in the Western Ghats and flow across the Deccan Plateau to drain into the Bay of Bengal. Over millions of years, these powerful rivers have carved out wide valleys and gaps through the Eastern Ghats, breaking them into a series of discontinuous and detached low hills.
21. Write detailed note on Non alignment.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is an international policy of a sovereign state according to which it does not align itself with any of the power blocs (like the USA-led capitalist bloc and the USSR-led communist bloc during the Cold War) but at the same time actively participates in world affairs to promote peace, security, and cooperation.
- Origin: The term 'Non-Alignment' was coined by V. Krishna Menon. The movement was conceived at the Bandung Conference of Afro-Asian countries in Indonesia in 1955. The first conference was held in Belgrade in 1961.
- Founding Fathers: The movement was largely the brainchild of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Sukarno of Indonesia, and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.
- Objectives of NAM:
- To maintain international peace and security.
- To oppose colonialism, imperialism, and racial discrimination.
- To advocate for disarmament and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
- To promote economic cooperation among developing nations and work towards a new international economic order.
- To protect the independence and sovereignty of newly independent nations from the pressures of the Cold War superpowers.
- India's Role: As a founding member, India under Jawaharlal Nehru played a pivotal role in shaping the philosophy and direction of NAM. It was an extension of India's foreign policy of maintaining its independence in decision-making and not getting entangled in the military rivalries of the Cold War.
22. Explain some direct and indirect taxes.
Taxes are the primary source of revenue for the government. They can be broadly classified into direct taxes and indirect taxes.
Direct Taxes
A direct tax is a tax paid directly by an individual or organization to the entity that levied it (e.g., a government). The impact (who pays) and incidence (who bears the burden) of a direct tax fall on the same person. The burden cannot be shifted.Examples:
- Income Tax: Levied on the income of individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and firms. It is a progressive tax.
- Corporation Tax: Levied on the profits of companies and corporations.
- Wealth Tax / Property Tax: Levied on the value of property or wealth owned by an individual or company.
Indirect Taxes
An indirect tax is a tax collected by an intermediary (like a retail store) from the person who bears the ultimate economic burden of the tax (the consumer). The impact and incidence are on different persons, meaning the burden can be shifted.Examples:
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): This is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on every value addition. It has replaced most other indirect taxes like excise duty, service tax, VAT, etc. It is paid by the final consumer.
- Customs Duty: A tax imposed on goods when they are transported across international borders (imports and exports).
- Stamp Duty: A tax paid on official documents during the transfer of assets or property.
IV. Answer the following question (any two).
23. Draw timeline of any three important events in India history from 1920 - 1940. (2 × 3 = 6)
1920 --- Launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
1930 --- The Dandi March and the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
1939 --- The beginning of the Second World War; Indian National Congress ministries resign in protest.
24. Mark the following places on the map of India.
1. Ambala: A city in the state of Haryana, located on the border with Punjab.
2. Barrackpore: A city in West Bengal, located on the bank of the Hooghly River, north of Kolkata.
3. Gwalior: A major city in the state of Madhya Pradesh, located in the central part of India.
25. Mark the following places in Tamilnadu. (5 × 1 = 5)
1. Neelagiri hills (Nilgiri Hills): A mountain range in the western part of Tamil Nadu, at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats.
2. River Kaveri: A major river flowing from Karnataka through central Tamil Nadu, forming a large delta before draining into the Bay of Bengal.
3. Pulicat Lake: A large saltwater lagoon located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, north of Chennai.
4. Manchester of South India: Coimbatore, a major city in the western part of Tamil Nadu.
5. Mullaperiyar dam: Located in the Idukki district of Kerala on the Periyar River, but it is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu.