SSC Class 10 History and Political Science Important Question Paper 2026 (Solved Board Papers) | Target 90+ Marks

Comprehensive Board Question Bank 2026

Subject: History & Political Science (SSC Class 10)

Target: 90+ Marks

SECTION 1: HISTORY

Q.1 (A) Choose the correct option and complete the sentences

1. It may be said that ............... was the founder of modern historiography.
(a) Voltaire
(b) René Descartes
(c) Leopold Ranké
(d) Karl Marx
Answer: (a) Voltaire
2. The ................. saw the rise of Mathura school.
(a) Kushana period
(b) Gupta period
(c) Rashtrakuta period
(d) Maurya period
Answer: (a) Kushana period
3. ................. at Kolkata is the first museum in India.
(a) Government Museum
(b) National Museum
(c) CSVS Museum
(d) Indian Museum
Answer: (d) Indian Museum
4. Louvre Museum has in its collection the much acclaimed painting of ....................... by Leonardo-da-Vinci.
(a) Napoleon
(b) Mona Lisa
(c) Hans Sloan
(d) George II
Answer: (b) Mona Lisa
5. The earliest museum in the world was discovered in the excavations at the city of ...................
(a) Delhi
(b) Harappa
(c) Ur
(d) Kolkata
Answer: (c) Ur
6. The first Chief Minister of Maharashtra was ................ .
(a) Vasantrao Naik
(b) Yashwantrao Chavhan
(c) Shankarrao Chavhan
(d) Vasantdada Patil
Answer: (b) Yashwantrao Chavhan
7. The Sanskrit text of ‘Hitopadesh’ was translated into German by .................. .
(a) James Mill
(b) Friedrich Max Muller
(c) Mountstuart Elphinstone
(d) Sir John Marshall
Answer: (b) Friedrich Max Muller
8. According to ______, “human history is the history of class struggle.”
(a) Voltaire
(b) Hegel
(c) Leopold Von Ranke
(d) Karl Marx
Answer: (d) Karl Marx

Q.1 (B) Identify the wrong pair in the following and rewrite

Set 1:
  • (i) Rene Descartes — ‘Discourse on the Method’
  • (ii) Karl Marx — ‘Das Capital’
  • (iii) Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel — ‘Reason in History’
  • (iv) Leopold von Ranke — ‘The Histories’
Wrong Pair: (iv) Leopold von Ranke — ‘The Histories’
Corrected: Leopold von Ranke — ‘The Theory and Practice of History’ / ‘The Secret of World History’
Set 2:
  • (i) Matheran — Hill Station
  • (ii) Tadoba — Rock-cut Caves
  • (iii) Kolhapur — Pilgrim Centre
  • (iv) Ajanta — World Heritage
Wrong Pair: (ii) Tadoba — Rock-cut Caves
Corrected: Tadoba — Wildlife Sanctuary / National Park
Set 3:
  • (i) Kootiyattam – Sanskrit theatre, Kerala
  • (ii) Ramman – Dance form in West Bengal
  • (iii) Ramlila – Traditional performance of Ramayana, UP
  • (iv) Kalbelia – Folk songs and dances of Rajasthan
Wrong Pair: (ii) Ramman – Dance form in West Bengal
Corrected: Ramman – Religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas (Uttarakhand)
Set 4:
  • (i) Raigadala Jevha Jag Yete — Vasant Kanetkar
  • (ii) Tilak ani Agarkar — Vishram Bedekar
  • (iii) Sashtang Namaskar — Acharya Atre
  • (iv) Ekach Pyala — Annasaheb Kirloskar
Wrong Pair: (iv) Ekach Pyala — Annasaheb Kirloskar
Corrected: Ekach Pyala — Ram Ganesh Gadkari

Q.2 (A) Complete the Concept Maps/Charts

1. Complete the concept chart: Types of Tourism
Answer (Any 4):
  • Historical Tourism
  • Geographic Tourism
  • Health Tourism
  • Agro-Tourism
  • Sports Tourism
  • International Tourism
2. Complete the chart: Libraries in India and Cities
  • Kolkata: National Library
  • Delhi: Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
  • Hyderabad: State Central Library
  • Mumbai: Library of Asiatic Society / David Sassoon Library
3. Complete the chart: Disciplines in Humanities
Answer (Any 4):
  • History
  • Archaeology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Political Science
  • Economics
4. World Natural Heritage Sites in India (Timeline)
  • 1985: Kaziranga National Park
  • 1985: Keoladeo National Park / Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
  • 1987: Sundarbans National Park
  • 2012: Western Ghats
  • 2014: Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area

Q.2 (B) Write Short Notes

1. Applied History
Applied History, also known as Public History, is a field of study concerned with the application of history for the benefit of people in contemporary and future times. Knowledge of history can provide guidance in finding solutions to current social issues and incorporate them in social planning. Projects in applied history create opportunities for professionals in archives, museums, and tourism.
2. The role of newspapers in the Indian struggle for independence
Newspapers played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle. They served as a medium of creating social and political awareness (Janajagruti). They criticized the unjust policies of the British government. Newspapers like Kesari, Maratha, Darpan, and Prabhakar published articles that educated the masses and united them against colonial rule. They also discussed social reformation issues (e.g., widow remarriage, caste system).
3. Sthalakosh
Sthalakosh refers to encyclopedias of geography and local history. It provides detailed information about various places, their history, geography, and cultural significance. For example, 'Prachin Bharatiya Sthalakosh' by Siddheshwarshastri Chitrav provides information about places mentioned in ancient literature. It helps researchers and tourists understand the historical context of a location.
4. Vishwakosh
The Maharashtra State Government established the Maharashtra Rajya Sahitya Samskruti Mandal for the compilation of the Marathi Vishwakosh (Encyclopedia). The first Chief Minister, Yashwantrao Chavhan, initiated it, and Tarkateertha Laxmanshastri Joshi was the chief editor. It aims to make knowledge from all spheres of life available in the Marathi language to facilitate the development of the language and intellectual growth of society.

Q.3 Explain the following statements with reasons

1. Bakhar is an important type of historical document.
'Bakhar' is a form of historical narrative written in Marathi prose. It is one of the most important sources of medieval Indian history, especially Maratha history. Bakhars contain eulogies of heroes, descriptions of historic events, battles, and lives of great men. Although some Bakhars may contain exaggeration, they provide valuable information about the contemporary political happenings, linguistic transactions, and social life of that period.
2. Foucault called his method ‘the archaeology of knowledge’.
French historian Michel Foucault, in his book 'The Archaeology of Knowledge', argued that the prevailing practice of arranging historical events in chronological order is not right. He drew attention to the fact that archaeology does not strive to reach the ultimate historical truth but attempts to explain various transitions in the past. Since he gave more importance to explaining the transitions in history, he called his method ‘the archaeology of knowledge’.
3. It is essential to study the history of technology.
Technology has always been an integral part of human progress. To understand the development of mankind, it is essential to understand the history of technology. Each scientific discovery leads to technological advancement (e.g., discovery of fire, invention of the wheel, agriculture). Understanding the history of technology helps in understanding the changes and their causes in the agricultural production, commodity production, architecture, and engineering.
4. Only trained persons who are duly qualified can take up the tasks involved in the work of conservation and preservation.
The work of conservation and preservation of historical sites and artifacts requires specific scientific knowledge and technical skills. One must know the chemical properties of materials, the original methods of creation, and the effects of environmental factors. Improper handling can damage precious heritage irretrievably. Therefore, only trained experts who understand the scientific and historical aspects can perform these tasks effectively without causing harm.

Q.4 Read the passage and answer the questions

Topic: Hemadpanti Temples
  1. How are the outer walls of Hemadpanti temples built?
    The outer walls are built in a star shape with a zigzag design, creating an alternating light and shadow effect.
  2. Give examples of Hemadpanti temples.
    Ambreshwar temple at Ambarnath (near Mumbai), Gondeshwar temple at Sinnar (Nashik), and Aundha Nagnath temple (Hingoli).
  3. Characteristics of Hemadpanti temples?
    The most distinct characteristic is the masonry produced without using lime or mortar. The stones are locked together using the tenon and mortise joint system. The plan is often star-shaped.
Topic: Village of Books (Bhilar)
  1. Name the village of books.
    Bhilar (near Mahabaleshwar).
  2. Which scheme was started by the Government of Maharashtra?
    The 'Village of Books' scheme was implemented to accelerate the 'Reading Culture' movement.
  3. Write your opinion about the village of books.
    It is an excellent initiative that promotes literature and tourism simultaneously. It helps preserve the Marathi language and encourages tourists to engage in reading while enjoying nature.

Q.5 Answer the following questions in detail

1. Explain Karl Marx’s class theory.
According to Karl Marx, history is not about abstract ideas but about living people. Human relationships are shaped by the fundamental needs of people and the ownership as well as the nature of prevalent means of production to meet those needs. The accessibility of these means to different strata of society may not be equal. This inequality causes a division of society into two classes (the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'), leading to class struggle. Marx argued that human history is the history of class struggle, as the class that owns the means of production exploits the rest of the classes.
2. Explain the close tie between Sports and History.
There is a close tie between sports and history. One needs to resort to history to understand the tradition of various sports.
  • Journalism: Sports journalists need to know the history of the game, rules, and past records to write articles or commentary.
  • Equipment: Understanding how sports equipment has evolved requires historical knowledge.
  • Competitions: Knowledge of the history of the Olympics, Asiad, or Commonwealth Games is essential for organizing or analyzing these events.
  • Biographies: Studying the lives of past players (like Major Dhyan Chand) inspires current generations.
3. What is feminist historiography?
Feminist historiography means the restructuring of the history from the perspective of women. The writings of Simone de Beauvoir helped in establishing the fundamentals of feminism. It emphasized the inclusion of women in history and a rethinking of the male-dominated perspective of history. It drove historical research to focus in depth on various aspects of women’s life such as their employment, their role in trade unions, institutions working for their cause, and their family life. In the historical writings after 1990, women were portrayed as an independent social class.

SECTION 2: POLITICAL SCIENCE

Q.6 Choose the correct option

1. The Election Commissioner is appointed by the ................ .
(a) President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Speaker
(d) Vice-President
Answer: (a) President
2. 73rd and 74th Amendment to the Indian constitution gave a constitutional status to ______ .
(a) Vidhansabha
(b) Local self-governing institutions
(c) Lok Sabha
(d) Rajya Sabha
Answer: (b) Local self-governing institutions
3. In Maharashtra ................. seats are reserved for women in local self-governing institutions.
(a) 25%
(b) 30%
(c) 40%
(d) 50%
Answer: (d) 50%
4. To increase agricultural production and become self-sufficient with regard to food grains ............ was initiated.
(a) Water revolution
(b) Green revolution
(c) Industrial revolution
(d) White revolution
Answer: (b) Green revolution
5. The Voters age decided by the Indian Constitution is ................. .
(a) 16
(b) 17
(c) 18
(d) 21
Answer: (c) 18

Q.7 True or False with Reasons

1. The nature of Constitution is seen as a living document.
Answer: True
Reason: The Constitution is dynamic and not static. It needs to change according to changing conditions. The Parliament has the power to make amendments to the Constitution. The Constitution has accepted the necessity of modification, making it a living document.
2. The Election Commission lays down the code of conduct during elections.
Answer: True
Reason: To ensure free and fair elections, the Election Commission adopts measures to prevent malpractices. The Code of Conduct explains the rules that the government, political parties, and voters must follow before and during elections.
3. Coalition politics leads to instability.
Answer: False
Reason: While early coalition governments (post-1977 and 1989) were unstable, the political system in India has adapted to it. The successful tenure of the NDA and UPA governments showed that coalitions can function effectively and provide stability.
4. Under special circumstances the Election Commission holds elections in a particular constituency for a second time.
Answer: True
Reason: If there are instances of booth capturing, violence, or if the voting process is compromised in a specific constituency, the Election Commission cancels the original poll and orders a re-election (re-poll) to ensure fairness.

Q.8 (A) Explain the concepts

1. Right to Information (RTI)
RTI was enacted in 2005 to ensure transparency and accountability in the working of the government. It empowers citizens to demand information from public authorities, thereby reducing secrecy and making the government more responsive to the people. It strengthens democracy by building trust between the government and citizens.
2. Criminalisation of Politics
This refers to the increasing participation of criminals in the political process. Political parties often give tickets to candidates with criminal backgrounds because they have 'elective merit' (money and muscle power) to win elections. This trend threatens democratic values and good governance.
3. Regional Parties
Regional parties are political groups that have a strong sense of regional identity. They prioritize the interests and development of their specific region (state) over national issues. They demand autonomy and want to resolve regional problems at the local level. Examples: Shiv Sena, Telugu Desam Party.

Q.9 Answer in brief

1. What are the effects of reducing the voting age from 21 years to 18 years?
  • It encouraged political participation among the youth.
  • India became the largest democracy in the world due to the increased number of voters.
  • It made political parties consider the aspirations and demands of the youth in their manifestos.
  • It broadened the scope of Indian democracy.
2. Explain the functions of environmental movement.
The environmental movement works to address serious issues like:
  • Protection of biodiversity.
  • Conservation of water sources.
  • Preventing pollution of air, water, and soil.
  • Opposing deforestation and advocating for sustainable development.
  • Opposing large dams or projects that harm ecosystems.

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