Introduction to Macroeconomics Class 12 Important Extra Questions Economics Chapter 1

Here we are providing Class 12 Economics Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 1 Introduction to Macroeconomics. Economics Class 12 Important Questions are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

Class 12 Economics Chapter 1 Important Extra Questions Introduction to Macroeconomics

Introduction to Macroeconomics Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What is microeconomics?
Answer:
Microeconomics is the branch of economics that studies the behaviour of individual decision making units such as households and firms.Equilibrium prices and quantities of goods and services are determined through the interaction of individuals in the market.

Question 2.
Define macroeconomics.
Answer:
Macroeconomics is the branch of economics that studies the behaviour of factors affecting the economy as a whole. It focuses on the behaviour of national level aggregates such as national income, total output, employment level, price level, etc. Macroeconomics is also called aggregative economics.

Question 3.
List the events of macroeconomic study.
Answer:
The events of macroeconomic study include:

  • Rate of inflation
  • Level of unemployment
  • Decline in agricultural and industrial output
  • Fluctuations in business activities
  • Accumulation of foreign exchange reserves
  • Capital market changes

Question 4.
Give one example of microeconomic variable.
Answer:
Demand for a particular good is a microeconomic variable.

Question 5.
What is the name of Keynesian book published in 1936?
Answer:
The name of the Keynesian book published in 1936 is The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money’.

Introduction to Macroeconomics Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What do you understand by macroeconomics?
Answer:
The word ‘Macro’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Makros’, which means ‘large’. Macroeconomics I is the branch of economics that studies the behaviour of factors affecting the economy as a whole. It focuses on the behaviour of national level aggregates such as national income, total output, employment level, price level, etc.

Macroeconomics is also called aggregative economics. While in i microeconomics small groups of economic units are related to a particular good and a particular industry, in macroeconomics, these groups are related to all the goods and all the industries.

Question 2.
What is the scope of macroeconomics?
Answer:
The scope of macroeconomics can be described as below:
(i) Theory of Income and Employment: Macroeconomics studies national income, its different assumptions, methods of measurements, social accounting, etc. It also includes study related to determination of equilibrium level of income and employment.

National income and the level of employment depend upon effective demand. For the analysis of effective demand, total demand, total supply, total consumption, total investment, total saving, multiplier etc. are studied.

(ii) Theory of Money: In macroeconomics, the principles of capital are studied. Macroeconomics also studies the functions of money, changes in demand for and supply of money, and theories relating to money, banks and financial institutions.

(iii) Theory of Trade Cycles: Macroeconomics studies the fluctuations in the country’s economic activities such as aggregate production, employment, interest rates, trade, general price level, etc.

(iv) Macro Theory of Distribution: It deals with the study of relative shares of labourers and capitalists, in the form of wages and profits respectively, in the total national income.

(v) Theory of Growth: Macroeconomics studies the rate and level of economic development. Economic growth includes growth or changes due to increase in per capita real income, Public finance and financial policies of the government can also be studied by using macroeconomics.

Introduction to Macroeconomics Important Extra Questions HOTS

Question 1.
What is a macroeconomic paradox?
Answer:
Macroeconomic paradox is a term that captures the point that what may be true for an individual might not essentially be true for the economy as a whole.

Question 2.
Are microeconomics and macroeconomics interdependent?
Answer:
Microeconomics and macroeconomics are interdependent as:
(i) Investment in one industry depends upon the level of investment in the economy as a whole.
(ii) Aggregate Demand in macroeconomics is the sum total of demand at the micro level.

Class 12 Political Science 1 Mark Questions Chapter 9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics

Here we are providing 1 Mark Questions for Political Science Class 12 Chapter 9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

One Mark Questions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 9 Recent Developments in Indian Politics

Question 1.
Name the two alliances fronts that formed the government at the centre in 1989 and 1996 respectively. (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
(i) National Front
(ii) United Front.

Question 2.
In 2019 who formed the government ?
Answer:
B.J.P. formed a Coalition government known as NDA.

Question 3.
Which political party emerged as the single largest party in 1996 Parliamentary elections ?
Answer:
The Bharatiya Janata Party.

Question 4.
Since 1989 until the elections of 2004 which party has been gaining strength in Lok Sabha. (C.B.S.E. 200S)
Answer:
Since 1989 until the election of 2004 Bharatiya Janata Party has been gaining strength in Lok Sabha.

Question 5.
Name any two political parties, which were the components of the Third Front for Lok Sabha elections in 2009.
Answer:

  • C.P.I.
  • C. P. M
  • Bahujan Samaj Party
  • Telugu Desam Party

Question 6.
Who is the present Prime Minister of India ? (Imp.)
Answer:
Sh. Narendra Modi.

Question 7.
From which year did the era of coalition government at the centre begin in India ? (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
The era of coalition government, at the centre, began in India from 1989.

Question 8.
In which year did the Congress ; Party win 415 seats in the Lok Sabha ? Who became the Prime Minister ? (C.B.S.E. 2012 Delhi)
Answer:
The Congress Party won 415 seats in 1984 and Sh. Rajeev Gandhi became the Prime Minister.

Question 9.
Explain the concept of a ‘coalition Government’. (C.B.S.E. 2018)
Answer:
A coalition government is formed when many small political parties or groups in a house agree to join hands on a common platform by sinking their broad differences and form a majority in the house.

Question 10.
Identify any one similarity between the united front Government of 1996 and the National Front Governemnt of 1989. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Both the Government of 1989 and 1996 included Janta Dal and Several other regional Parties.

Choose the correct answer :

Question 11.
In which year was Janata Dal formed ?
(a) 1975
(b) 1982
(c) 1985
(d) 1988.
Answer:
(d) 1988.

Question 12.
Who headed the coalition government of 1989 ?
(a) Chandra Shekhar
(b) V.P. Singh
(c) I.K. Gujral
(d) Rajiv Gandhi.
Answer:
(b) V.P. Singh.

Class 12 Political Science 1 Mark Questions Chapter 8 Regional Aspirations

Here we are providing 1 Mark Questions for Political Science Class 12 Chapter 8 Regional Aspirations are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

One Mark Questions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 8 Regional Aspirations

Question 1.
Why were the seven small states created in North-East India ? (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
The Partition of India in 1947 had reduced the North-East to a land-locked region and affected its economy. Cut-off from the rest of India, the region suffered neglect in developmental terms. These states also underwent major demographic changes due to influx of migrants from neighbouring states and countries. Therefore, for boosting the economy seven small states were created in the North-East.

Question 2.
When was the first democratic election to Sikkim Assembly held and which party swept the elections ? (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
The first democratic election to Sikkim Assembly was held in 1974 and Sikkim Congress party won the elections.

Question 3.
Justify that, “Regionalism is not as dangerous as Communalism.” (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
Regionalism only denotes a feeling of love for a particular region, while communalism encourage communal riots.

Question 4.
Why do some people feel that Article 370 should be revoked ? (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
Some people feel that Article 370 should be revoked because Article 370 does not allow full integration of the Jammu and Kashmir State with India. Therefore, on 5—6 August 2019, Article 370 was abrogated from Indian constitution.

Question 5.
The States of which region of India are referred to as the ‘Seven Sisters’? (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
The states of North-East (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura) region of India are referred to as the ‘Seven Sisters’.

Question 6.
Mention any one point of; agreement included in the Rajiv Gandhi Logowal Accord. (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
To resolve the border dispute between Punjab and Haryana, a commission would be established.

Question 7.
Which organisation of Assam led the movement against foreign national in 1979 ? (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Or
Which students group led the anti-foreigner movement in Assam ? (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
All Assam Students Union.

Question 8.
How far is the demand for reservation beyond SCs, STs, and OBCs, justified? (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Answer:
The demand for reservation beyond SCs, STs, and OBCs should be based on economic conditions. Because poor people of every class of the society need help.

Question 9.
Why is violence between two communities considered as a threat to democracy? (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Answer:
It is true that violence between two communities is considered as a threat to democracy. India’s democratic politics is based on the premise that all religious communities enjoy the freedom that they may join any party. It is also accepted that their will not be community based political parties. Even then democratic atmosphere of the country faced many challenges during anti-Sikh riots of 1984, violence in Gujrat in 2002, demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992 etc. Thus communal riots are against democratic norms.

Choose the correct answer :

Question 10.
In which year agreement took place between Sheikh Abdullah and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ?
(a) 1970
(b) 1974
(c) 1976
(d) 1980.
Answer:
(b) 1974

Question 11.
When Anandpur Sahib Resolution was passed ?
(a) 1962
(b) 1965
(c) 1967
(d) 1973
Answer:
(d) 1973

Question 12.
Who was the leader of the Naga National Council ?
(a) V.P. Singh
(b) Lai Denga
(c) Karunanidhi
(d) Angame Zapu Phizo.
Answer:
(d) Angame Zapu Phizo.

Question 13.
Coorrect and rewrite the statement. Ravi, Beas river dispute was resolved between Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand. (Sample Paper 2019-20)
Answer:
Ravi, Bears river dispute was resolved between Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

Kings and Chronicles Class 12 Important Extra Questions History Chapter 9

Here we are providing Class 12 History Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 9 Kings and Chronicles: The Mughal Courts. Class 12 History Important Questions are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

Class 12 History Chapter 9 Important Extra Questions Kings and Chronicles: The Mughal Courts

Kings and Chronicles Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Who was the first ruler of the Mughal Empire?
Answer:
Babur was the first Mughal King.

Question 2.
How did Babur relate to Ghenghiz Khan?
Answer:
Babur was related to Ghenghiz Khan from his mother’s side.

Question 3.
Name few of the successors of Babur.
Answer:
Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shahjehan, Aurangzeb etc.

Question 4.
Who gave a defeat to Humayun?
Answer:
Sher Shah Suri defeat Humayun.

Question 5.
Who is considered as the greatest Mughal Empire?
Answer:
Akbar is considered as the greatest Mughal Empire.

Question 6.
Who was the last powerful Mughal Emperor?
Answer:
Aurangzeb was the last powerful Mughal Emperor.

Question 7.
Name few of the Chronicles prepared during the Mughal Empire?
Answer:
Baburnama, Akbarnama, Shahjahannama, Alamgirnama etc.

Question 8.
In which language most of the Chronicles were written in the Mughal period?
Answer:
In Persian language.

Question 9.
What was the .centre of manuscript production during the Mughal empire?
Answer:
Kitabkhana was the centre of manuscript production during the Mughal Empire.

Question 10.
What was the Nastaliq?
Answer:
It was a style of calligraphy, a fluid style with long horizontal strokes.

Question 11.
What was Sheria?
Answer:
Sheria was an Islamic law.

Question 12.
In how many books, the Akbarnama is divided?
Answer:
Akbarnama is divided into three books and the third book is Akbarnama.

Question 13.
Who was Humayun? How was he forced to run away from India?
Answer:
Humayun was the son and successor of Babur. He expanded the frontiers of his empire. However, he was defeated by the Afghan leader Sher Shah Suri and was forced to run away from India.

Question 14.
What happened to Humayun when he ran away from India?
Answer:
Humayun had to take refuge in the court of the Safavid ruler of Iran when he was drove into exile. In 1555 C.E., he defeated the Surs but died an year later.

Question 15.
How did the Mughal dynasty came to an end in India?
Answer:
With the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 C.E., the power of the empire diminished. Many regional powers emerged in place of large Mughal empire. Yet symbolically, the prestige of Mughal rulers remained there. In 1857 C.E., the last scion of this dynasty, Bahadur Shah Zafar was overthrown by the British. In this way, the Mughal dynasty came to an end in India.

Question 16.
Who were the authors of the Mughal chronicles? On which four points did they concentrate?
Answer:
The authors of the Mughal chronicles were the court historiAnswer:All the chronicles emphasised the following points:

  1. Events associated with the ruler
  2. Family of the ruler
  3. The royal court
  4. Wars and administrative provisions

Question 17.
Who founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal and when? Tell any one work done by it.
Answer:
The Asiatic Society of Bengal was founded by Sir William Jones in 1784 C.E. This society published the edited versions of Akbarnama and Badshahnama in the nineteenth century.

Question 18.
Explain any two works done by Akbar to enhance the idea of Sulh-i-Kul.
Answer:

  1. Akbar gave positions and awards to Turanis, Afghans, Rajputs and Deccanis purely on the basis of their service and loyalty to the king.
  2. He abolished the tax on pilgrimage in 1563 C.E. and Jizya in 1564 C.E. as both were based on religious discrimination.

Question 19.
What was Jizya? Who abolished it? By whom was it again imposed?
Answer:
Jizya was a tax imposed on non-Muslim subjects. It was abolished by Akbar in 1564 C.E. and was again imposed by Aurangzeb.

Question 20.
Which was the favourite symbol to represent the idea of Justice of Mughal monarchy? What does it mean?
Answer:
The favourite symbol to represent the idea of justice of Mughal monarchy was the motif of the lion and the lamb (or cow) peacefully nestling next to each other. It was meant to signify that both the weak and the strong could exist in harmony.

Question 21.
How Mughal rulers kept control over court society?
Answer:
Social control in court was exercised by forms of address, courtesies and speech which were acceptable in court. Even a small mistake of etiquette was noticed and punished right on the spot.

Question 22.
Which were the highest forms of salutation to the ruler by the Mughal courtiers?
Answer:

  1. Sijda or complete prostration.
  2. Chahar Taslim.
  3. Zaminbos, i.e., kissing the ground.

Question 23.
Which Mughal emperor began the practice of Jharokha Darshan? What was his objective behind this?
Answer:
Jharokha Darshan was introduced by Akbar. According to this, emperor appeared on a small balcony, facing the east, giving a view to crowds of people standing below. Its objective was to broadening the acceptance of the imperial authority as part of popular faith.

Question 24.
What were Zat and Sawar ranks? What was the main difference between them?
Answer:
Zat and Sawar were the ranks or mansabs of Mughal officials based on numerical destinations. As Zat was an indicator of position in the imperial hierarchy and salary of the official but Sawar indicated towards the number of horsemen which he was required to maintain in his service.

Question 25.
Why Mughal emperor wanted to keep control over Kabul and Kandhar?
Answer:
All conquerers who wanted to conquer the Indian sub-continent had to cross Hindukush to have an access to north India. That is why there was a constant policy of Mughals and that was to ward off this potential danger by controlling strategic outposts, i.e., Kabul and Kandhar.

Question 26.
“Jesuits were greatly respected during Akbar’s time”. Give three reasons in favour of this statement.
Answer:

  1. At public assemblies, the Jesuits were given places in close proximity to Akbar’s throne.
  2. Jesuits accompanied Akbar on his campaigns and tutored his children. ‘
  3. Jesuits were often companions of the leisure hours of the Emperor.

Question 27.
What was the ‘philosophy of light’ created by Akbar and Abul Fazl? Why was this used?
Answer:
According to philosophy of light created by Akbar and Abul Fazl, a divinely inspired individual has top most sovereignty over his people and full control over his enemies. This philosophy was used to shape the image of the king and ideology of the state.

Kings and Chronicles Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Why did the Mughal rulers get their dynastic histories written?
Answer:
The Mughal rulers believed that they are appointed by the ‘God’ himself to rule over a large and heterogeneous populace. Although actual political circumstances circumscribed this grand vision but this vision remained important. One of the methods of transmitting this vision was writing of the dynastic histories. The Mughal rulers gave this work, of writing accounts of their achievements, to their court historiAnswer:These accounts recorded all the events of the emperor’s reign. Except this, these authors also collected a lot of information about other aspects of the sub-continent which helped the rulers to govern their domain.

Question 2.
What is Mughal chronicle? What is their importance for writing of Mughal history?
Or
Describe the characteristic features of the Mughal Chronicles. (C.B.S.E. 2011 (D))
Or
How do you think that the chronicles commissioned by the Mughal Emperors are an important source for studying Mughal history? (C.B.S.E. 2017 (O.D.))
Answer:
The genre of texts written by modern historians in English is called a chronicle. These chronicles present a continuous chronological record of events and are an indispensable source for any scholar who wanted to write about Mughal history. On one side, these chronicles give us information about institutions of Mughal empire and on the other side, they convey the meaning of those objectives which Mughal rulers wanted to impose on their domain. In this way these chronicles give us a glimpse that how imperial ideologies were created and disseminated.

Question 3.
How were images or pictures incorporated in the Mughal manuscripts? Discuss any two points of its importance.
Or
Assess the importance of the painted images in Mughal manuscripts. (C.B.S.E. 2008 (D))
Answer:
The painters played a significant role in the production of Mughal manuscripts. They included in the manuscripts many images that described an event in the visual form. The pictures accompanied what was described in words in the manuscript. They served as miniatures. Their importance can be understood from the following points:

  • These pictures enhanced the beauty of a book or manuscript.
  • They conveyed ideas which were difficult to be expressed in the written medium.
  • They had the magical power to make inanimate objects look as if they possessed life.

Question 4.
Write a brief comment on Badshahnama.
Or
Name the author of Badshahnama. Describe its content. (C.B.S.E. 2011 {O.D.))
Or
“lilughal transmitted their grand vision through the writing of dynastic histories.” Explain the statement with reference to Badshahnama. (C.B.S.E. 2019 (O.D.))
Answer:
Once Emperor Shah Jahan called Abdul Hamid Lahori and requested him to write a history of his reign as was done in Akbarnama. As a result, Badshahnama was written by Abdul Hamid Lahori, a pupil of Abul Fazl. It is the official history of the events which occurred during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. It was written in three volumes (daftars). Each volume covered a period of ten years. Later on Sadullah Khan, the Wazir of Shah Jahan, revised the first two. volumes of the Badshahnama. The Asiatic- Society was the first to publish edited versions of Badshahnama in the nineteenth century. A few excerpts of this book have so far been translated into English.

Question 5.
(i) Which changes came in social status of people associated with the composition of Mughal age manuscripts?Answer:
People involved in the actual production of the Mughal age manuscripts got recognition in the form of titles and awards given to them. Some of the calligraphers and painters got higher social status while other partners like paper makers or book binders remained as anonymous artisans.

(ii) What was the relation of calligraphy with manuscripts?
Answer:
Calligraphy, i.e., art of handwriting was considered as a skill with great importance. It was used and practised by using different styles. Nastaliq was the favourite style of Akbar. It is a fluid style with long horizontal stokes. A piece of trimmed reed with a tip 5-10 mm called qalam, dipped in carbon ink was used to write this style. Generally, a small split was kept in the nib of the qalam so that it could absorb the ink.

Question 6.
Which steps were taken during the colonial age to protect historical manuscripts?
Answer:
During the colonial period, the British administrators began to studv Indian history so as to get a better understanding ot people and their culture. In 1784, Sir William Jones founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal which took responsibility of editing, printing and translation of many Indian manuscripts.
Edited versions of Akbarnama and Badshahnama were first printed by the Asiatic Society in 19th century. In the early 20th century, Henry Beveridge translated Akbarnama in English. Only few excerpts of Badshahnama have been translated in English till today. •

Question 7.
The Mughal Emperors exercised a divine right over administration. How was this view presented?
Answer:
According to many court chronicles, the power of the Mughal kings came directly from God. There is the narration of a legend. The Mongol Queen named Alanqua was impregnated by a ray of sun¬shine when she was resting in her tent. Her child bore the Divine Light which passed on from generation to generation.

The Mughal king also got light that emanated from God. So he was the source of spiritual guidance for his subjects. He wore the halo which is often seen in the European paintings of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The halo of the Mughal Emperors symbolised the light of God. It left a deep imprint on the minds of those who saw the emperor with halo surrounding their heads.

Question 8.
What did the form of salutation in front of ruler in the Mughal court indicate? While describing briefly about different forms of salutations also tell that what was expected from diplomatic envoys in this regard?
Answer:
Form of salutation in front of ruler in the Mughal court indicated towards person’s status in the hierarchy. Deeper prostration represented higher status of the person.

  • Highest form of submission was sijda or complete prostration.
  • Under the reign of Shah Jahan, these forms were replaced by chahar taslim and zaminbos (kissing the ground).

The protocols related to diplomatic envoys in the Mughal court were equally explicit. It was expected from an ambassador presented in front of Mughal ruler that he must adopt any one method out of sanctioned forms of salutation. These included either by bowing deeply, kissing the ground or to follow the Persian custom of clasping one’s hand in front of the chest. The English ambassador of James-I, Thomas Roy simply bowed before emperor Jahangir and further shocked everyone by demanding a chair to sit.

Question 9.
Who was Gulbadan Begum? Make a brief evaluation of Humayunama written by her. ,
Or
Describe how the Humayunama of Gulbadan Begum gives us the glimpses of the Mughal Imperial household. (C.B.S.E. 2013 (O.D.))
Answer:
Gulbadan was the daughter of Babur, sister of Humayun and aunt of Akbar. She was a fluent writer in Turkish and Persian. When Abul Fazl was writing his Akbarnama about the history of the reign of Akbar, she was requested by Akbar to write her memories of earlier times under Babur and Humayun. Akbar felt that her memories could be useful for Abul Fazl.

Gulbadan Begum wrote an interesting book entitled ‘Humayunama!. It gives us a glimpse into the domestic world of the Mughals. It is not merely an enlogy of the Mughal emperors. On the contrary, it brings out the conflicts and tensions that existed among the princes and the kings. It also shows the important role played by elderly women who mediated to resolve some of the conflicts.

Question 10.
“Akbar tried to tie his empire in one thread.” How?
Or
“Akbar was a national ruler.” Prove it.
Answer:
Akbar was the first Muslim ruler who gave preference to national interests instead of developing any religion or sect. He conquered whole of north India and tied it in one thread. He implemented same legal and administrative system in all of his provinces. First time in medieval period, Hindu masses were given same religious freedom like Muslims.

He even removed the religious tax imposed on Hindus called Jizya. Akbar not only married a Rajput princesses but also permitted them to worship their deities according to Hindu traditions. Din-i-Ilahi was a symbol of religious tolerance of Akbar. He began this religion to establish unity among Hindus and Muslims. Just because of these measures, Akbar was succeeded in founding a national empire in the country.

Question 11.
What are the distinctive features of Mughal nobility? State any five features.
Or
“One important pillar of the Mughal I administration was the nobility.” Justify. (C.B.S.E. 2015 (D)))
Or
“The nobility was recruited consciously by the Mughal rulers from ethnic and religious groups.” Justify. (C.B.S.E. 2017 (D))
Or
Explain why the nobility was recruited from different races and religious groups by the Mughal rulers in India. (C.B.S.E. 2018)
Answer:
A corps of officers was one of the most important pillars of the Mughal state. The historians referred to all these officials collectively as the nobility. The main characteristics of these officers were as under:

  1. They were recruited from different castes and religious groups.
  2. A special care was taken to ensure that no group should grow so strong and wide as to be a threat to the State.
  3. The mansab or the status of each officer was determined.
  4. The officers participated in the military operations along with their soldiers. They used to perform administrative jobs.
  5. As the officers held a high position in the society, they were quite rich and powerful and enjoyed ample prestige in the society.

Question 12.
What is meant by Zat and Sawar ranks in Mansabdari system?
Answer:
Zat was numerical value which determined the rank and salary in Mughal Empire. Certain points were there in Zat ranking which are given below:

  1. Nobles with a Zat of 5,000 were ranked higher than those of 1,000.
  2. There were 29 mansabdars with a rank of 5,000 Zat in the reign of Akbar.
  3. The number of mansabdars had increased to 79 in Aurangzeb’s reign.
  4. More number of mansabdars meant more burden of expenditure on State exchequer.
    Sawar was a rank of officer which indicated the number of horsemen h: was required to maintain m service. •

Question 13.
Discuss the merits and demerits of Mansabdari system.
Answer:
Merits:
1. Jagirdari system came to an end with the advent of this custom. Now every mansabdar was dependent upon emperor for his salary. Except this, mansabdars were under complete control of the emperor. They could be called at any time with their cavalry and horsemen. It reduced the chances of revolts against the emperor.

2. The post of mansabdar was given according to the ability of the person. In case of inability of handling the post, mansabdar was generally relieved from his post. In this way, able and successful persons were appointed on higher posts.

3. Government’s expenses of giving jagirs was reduced to a great extent.

4. According to the Zabti system, whole of property of mansabdar was confiscated in case of his death. It increased the income of the government.

Demerits:
1. One of the major demerits of this system was that mansabdar always tried to cheat the government. They used to keep less number of horsemen than the prescribed number but used to take salary of all the horsemen. Government tried to remove this shortcoming but with little success.

(ii) Mansabdars were given very high salaries which was a sort of pressure on the Govt, treasury.

Question 14.
Give main features of religious policy of Akbar.
Answer:
Akbar had great interest in religion right from the beginning. Initially, he was an orthodox Muslim but gradually became liberal in his ideas. He abolished the tax on pilgrimage, i.e., Jizya. He built ibadatkhana at Fatehpur Sikri where people of different religions and sects discussed religious matters. From these discussions, he drew some conclusions and started a new religion called Din-i- Ilahi. Akbar compiled essence of all the religions in this religion. Any one was free to adopt this religion. Even Brahmin Birbal became one of its members.

Except this, Akbar established marital relations with many Rajput princesses. All of his Hindu wives were free to practice their customs according to Hinduism. Every one was free to adopt any religion. Employment was open to all the religious communities. People of all the religious groups were free to practice their customs. In this way, an atmosphere of religious tolerance came into being within the reign of this Muslim ruler.

Question 15.
Write the main effects of religious policy of Akbar.
Answer:
Following were the main effects of religious policy of Akbar:

1. Vast Mughal Empire: Akbar won the hearts of Rajputs only because of his Hindu policy. He was able to suppress his enemies with the cooperation of Rajputs. Many loyal Rajput chiefs won many battles for the kingdom. It led to the great expansion of Mughal empire.

2. Strong Mughal Empire: Before Akbar, Hindus were enemies of empire and were causing huge losses to the state. But liberal policy of Akbar brought Hindus to Mughal court. As a result, Mughal empire became very strong.

3. Encouragement to the sense of Nation Building: As a result of this policy of Akbar, lakhs of Hindus came in favour of Mughal empire and began working for the progress of the empire. That is why Akbar was able to succeed in his objective of nation building.

4. Progress in Art and Literature: As a result of this policy, art and literature made a huge progress. Mughal art was mixed into Hindu art and mixture of Sanskrit and Persian gave birth to a new type of literature and language.

Question 16.
‘Akbar was a Liberal ruler. Prove it.
Answer:
It would be clarified from the following points that Akbar was very liberal and tolerable in his ideas:

1. Establishing marital relations: Akbar established marital relations with the daughters of Rajput kings. In 1562 C.E., he was married to the daughter of Rajput king of Amer, Bharmal. Akbar appointed son and grandson of Bharmal into imperial service. In this way religious tolerance policy of Akbar began with his marriage.

2. Appointment of Hindus on higher posts: Akbar appointed many Hindus into imperial services. He never cared about the individual’s religion while appointing him on any post. Many Hindus like Raja Todar Mai, Man Singh, Birbal, etc., were appointed on higher posts.

3. Religious freedom: Akbar gave complete religious freedom to his subjects. He even introduced a royal farman that no one will be converted forcefully into other religion.

4. Din-i-Ilahi: Akbar collected all the good elements of all religions and sects and introduced a new religion in 1582 C.E. called Din-I-Ilahi.
From all these things it is clear that Akbar was actually a liberal ruler.

Question 17.
What do you know about Din-i-Ilahi? Discuss its major elements.
Answer:
Din-i-Ilahi was the result of progress of religious sentiments of Akbar. From the discussion of Ibadatkhana he concluded that all the religions are basically one and the same thing. He took motivation from this and founded a new religion, Din-i-Ilahi, in 1582 C.E. He included all the basic concepts and elements of all the religions and sects. Gods, Goddesses, Pirs, etc., had no place in this new religion.

According to this, God is one and Akbar is his top most devotee. Followers of this religion were not allowed to be non-vegetarian. Its followers greeted each other by saying ‘Allah-hu-Akbar’. They were always ready to sacrifice every thing for the emperor. Din-i-Ilahi did not become popular because Akbar hardly took any steps to popularise it among masses. As a result, this religion also came to an end with the death of Akbar.

Question 18.
Analyse how the Mughal emperor’s Court procedures reflected his status and power. (C.B.S.E. Sample Paper 2011)
Or
In what ways have the daily routine and special festivities associated with the Mughal court conveyed a sense of
power of the Mughal emperor? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2013 (D))
Or
“The visible centre of Mughal power was the King’s court.” Justify the statements with suitable arguments. (C.B.S.E. 2019 (D))
Answer:

  1. The royal throne depicted the high status of the emperor.
  2. The canopy was the symbol of Mughal monarchy.
  3. Each courtier had a definite place to sit. It reflected his position in the Court. When the king was seated on his throne, no courtier could change his seat or go outside without the permission of the Emperor.
  4. There were special norms for reception, courtesy and speech to regulate the system and control of the Court.
  5. Good conduct and courtesy was expected from diplomatic envoys.
  6. The dazzling decoration on special occasions and the abundant expenses enhanced the power, authority and dignity of the king.

Question 19.
Give a brief description of central Administration of Mughals.
Answer:
Emperor himself was the head of central administration of Mughals. Some of the important ministers of central administration are given below:

1. Mir Bakhshi: Mir Bakhshi was the paymaster general. He used to stand in the open court on the right side of the emperor and present all candidates for appointment or promotion. His office used to prepare orders bearing his seal and signature and of the emperor as well.

2. Diwan-i-Ala and Sadr-us-Sadur: There were two other important ministers as well at the centre. Diwan-i-Ala was the finance minister and Sadr-us-Sadur was minister of grants or Maded-i- maash and incharge of appointing qazis or local judges. All these three ministers sometimes worked as an advisory body but generally were independent from each other.

Question 20.
Throw some light on Mughals’ relations with the Ottoman empire.
Or
Describe briefly the relationship between the Mughals and the Ottomans. (C.B.S.E. 2009 (O.D.))
Answer:
The main objective of Mughals’ relations with the Ottoman empire was to maintain a free movement for pilgrims and merchants in the territories under control of the Ottoman empire. This was true especially for the Hijaz i.e., that area of Ottoman Arabia where Mecca and Madina, important pilgrim centres were located. Mughal emperors generally combined commerce and religion.

They used to export valuable things to Aden and Mokha, both the ports of Red Sea. They even used to distribute the income from the sale of these goods in charity and keepers of shrines. But when Aurangzeb came to know about the misappropriation of funds sent to Arabia, he stressed on their distribution in India because he believed that, “it was as much a house of God as Mecca.”

Question 21.
How did the religious views of Akbar become mature? What change came in it?
Answer:
Akbar practised the idea of religious toleration. He exhibited the high respect to the members of the Jesuit Mission. In fact, Akbar had a deep quest for religious knowledge. He held inter-faith debates in the Ibadatkhana at Fatehpur Sikri. He met people belonging to all the religions such as the Hindus, the Muslims, the Jainas, the Parsis and the ChristiAnswer:He was quite mature in his religious views. He got knowledge about the doctrines of all religions and sects. He moved away from the orthodox Islamic ways of understanding. He believed in religious toleration. His views are a lesson to modern society which is torn with religious differences.

Akbar found a great change in his religious perception. He did not believe in orthodox Islamic philosophy. He focussed on divine worship and created a philosophy of light and sun. He used this philosophy to shape the image of the king and ideology of the Mughal state. He was sure that a divinely inspired ruler can have supreme sovereignty over his people and complete control over his enemies.

Question 22.
“Many consider Jalal-ud-din Akbar (1556-1605) as the greatest of all the Mughal emperors.” Support the statement with evidence. (C.B.S.E. 2010 (D))
Answer:
Many consider Jalal-ud-din Akbar as the greatest of all the Mughal emperors due to following reasons:

  1. Akbar not only expanded his empire but made it strong and prosperous as well.
  2. He spread frontiers of his empire till Hindukush mountains.
  3. He stopped the expansionist plans of Safavids of Iran and Uzbek’s of Turan (Central Asia).
  4. He then arranged Mughal administration in a proper way. Tolerance and liberalism were two main features of his administration.
  5. Judicial system adopted by him was an ideal
    one.

Question 23.
Describe briefly the expansion and consolidation of Mughal Empire under Jalaluddin Akbar (1356-1605). (C.B.S.E, 2011 (D))
Answer:
Jalal-ud-din Akbar was the son and successor of Humayun. He is considered as the greatest of all the Mughal emperors because he not only expanded but also consolidated his empire, making the largest, strongest and richest kingdom of his time. He extended frontier of his empire to Hindukush mountains. He also checked the expansionist plans of Uzbeks of Turan and the Safavids of Iran. Mughal administration under Akbar was quite strong. He showed great tolerance in the matters of religion and gave freedom to everyone to practice their respective religions.

Question 24.
Describe briefly how the emperor began his day in the balcony and at Diwan-i-aam. (C.B.S.E. 2011 (GD.))
Answer:
Jharokha darshan was introduced by Akbar. According to this, emperor used to begin his day at sunrise with few religious prayers. Then he used to appear on a small balcony i.e., the Jharokha facing the east direction. Below, a crowd of people waited for a view of the emperor. It was started with an objective to broadening the acceptance of the imperial authority or part of popular faith. After spending an hour at the Jharokha, the emperor walked to the public hall of audience (diwan-i-aam) to conduct the primary business of his government. State officials presented reports and made requests.

Question 25.
For members of the nobility under the Mughals, imperial service was a way of acquiring power, wealth and highest possible reputation.” Examine the statement. (C.B.S.E. 2012 (O.D.))
Answer:
For members of the nobility, imperial service was a way of acquiring power, wealth and the highest possible reputation. A person wishing to join the service petitioned through a noble, who presented a tajwiz or gift to the emperor. If the applicant was found suitable then a mansab was granted to him. Mir Bakhshi was the paymaster general. He used to stand in open court on the right side of the emperor and presented all candidates for appointment or promotion.

His office used to prepare orders bearing his seal and signature and of the emperor as well. There were two other important ministers as well at the centre. Diwan- i-Ala was the finance minister and Sadr-us-Sadux was minister of grants or Maded-i-maash and incharge of appointing qazia or local judges. All these three ministers sometimes worked as an advisory body but generally were independent from each other.

Kings and Chronicles Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Who were the Mughals? Give a brief description of political history of Mughals.
Answer:
The name Mughal was derived from Mongol. Though today this name is the symbol of grandeur of Mughal empire but Mughals themselves did not selected this name. They called themselves as Timurids because from paternal side they were the descendants of Turkish ruler Timur. First Mughal emperor Babur was related to Mongol ruler Ghenghiz Khan from his mother side. He used to speak Turkish and referred Mongols as barbaric hordes.

The word Mughal was used by the Europeans during 16th century for the Mughal dynasty.
Political History of the Mughals

1. Babur: The Mughal empire was made up of many regional kingdoms. It was the result of conquests
and friendly treaties. Babur was the founder of this empire who was driven away by the warring Uzbeks from his Central Asian homeland, Farghana. First of all, he established himself at Kabul and then moved towards the Indian sub-continent in search of territories and resources to meet the needs of the members of his clan.

2. Humayun: Humayun (1530-40, 1555-56) was the son and successor of Babur who expanded the frontiers of his empire. But he was defeated by Afghan leader Sher Shah Suri and was forced to run away from India. He took refuge in the court of Safavid ruler of Iran. With his help, Humayun defeated Suris in 1555 C.E. But a year later, he died by accidentally falling off the stairs of the liberary.

3. Jalal-ud-din Akbar: Jalal-ud-din Akbar (1556-1605) is considered as the greatest Mughal emperor. He not only expanded his empire but also consolidated it and made it as the strongest and richest empire of his time. He extended frontiers of his empire to the Hindukush mountains. He also checked the expansionist plans of Uzbeks of Turans (Central Asia) and the Safavids of Iran.

4. Successors of Akbar: After Akbar, Jahangir (1605-27), Shah Jahan (1628-58) and Aurangzeb (1658-1707) became rulers of the Mughal empire. All three were able successors who further expanded this empire although with a slow speed. They maintained and consolidated the different instruments of governance.

End of the Mughal Empire: Aurangzeb died in 1707 C.E. after which the central power of Mughal dynasty reduced. That is why instead of controlling such a large empire from capital cities like Delhi, Agra or Lahore, many regional forces emerged. But symbolically, the prestige of Mughal rulers remained intact. The last scion of this dynasty, Bahadur Shah Zafar-II was overthrown by the British in 1857 C.E.

Question 2.
Throw light on the role of painters and images in the Mughal manuscripts. Why and on what grounds, there was a tension?
Or
Describe briefly how the interpretations of the Sharia changed ‘.with time. (C.B.S.E. 2011 (D))
Answer:
The painters had a significant role in the production of the Mughal manuscripts. They described an event in the visual form. They gave a visual expression to many important events that happened during the reign of various Mughal rulers. In fact, their paintings accompanied what was described in words. They were miniatures on the pages of manuscripts. Significance of the Paintings: The paintings served the following purposes:

  • They enhanced the beauty of a book.
  • They communicated those ideas which were hard to be conveyed in the written medium.
  • They were like a magical art having the power to make inanimate things look life-like.

Tension Regarding Paintings: The paintings portrayed not only the emperors but also their courts and other people. So they were always a source of constant tension between the rulers and the representatives of the orthodox Muslims, i.e., the Ulema. These orthodox Muslims invoked the Islamic prohibition of the portrayal of human beings enshrined in the Quran and the Hadis which described an incident from the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

In Hadis, the Prophet Muhammad had forbidden the depiction of living beings as it would have interfered in the laws of nature and the divine power of creation. It was believed that the power of creation belonged exclusively to God. Akbar ignored and did not recognise the tension on the question of visual representations of living beings in the Mughal Court. According to Abul Fazl, Akbar had stated: “There are many that hate paintings, but such men I dislike. It appears to me that an artist has a unique way of recognising God.”

Changing Environment: With the passage of time, the interpretations of the Sharia also changed. Various social groups interpreted the Islamic tradition in the way it suited them politically. So all the Muslim rulers of Asia asked artists to paint their portraits and scenes of life in their kingdoms. For example, the Safavid kings of Iran patronised the finest artists. So many painters like Bizhad played a great role in spreading the cultural fame of the Safavid Court. Many artists came to India from Iran during the Mughal rule. Similarly the famous artists like Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad came to India along with Emperor Humayun. Many other artists came to India in search of opportunities to win patronage and prestige.

Question 3.
Write an essay on Akbarnama and its author Ahul Fazl.
Or
Discuss Akbarnama as an important .source of the Mughal history. Who wrote the Akbarnama? Describe its content in brief. (C.B.S.E. 2011 (O.D.))
Or
“Mughals transmitted their grand vision through the writing of dynastic histories.” Explain the statement with reference to the Akbarnama. (C.B.S.E. 2019 (O.D.))
Answer:
Akbarnama is an important illustrated Mughal official history written by Abul Fazl. It has a lot of paintings depicting battles, sieges, hunts, construction of buildings and scenes of courts. It has shaped and articulated the ideas associated with the reign of Akbar.

Abul Fazl began to write Akbarnama in 1589 C.E. He repeatedly revised his draft and made use of all the available sources such as:

  1. Actual records of events (waqai).
  2. Official documents.
  3. Oral testimonies of knowledgeable persons.

Akbarnama was divided into three volumes. The first two volumes were in the form of chronicles. The third volume is the Ain-i-Akbari. The first volume describes the first thirty years of Akbar’s life. The second volume describes the period from 31st year to 46th year of Akbar’s life. Thus, Akbarnama provides a detailed information about the reign of Akbar. It depicts various aspects of Akbar’s empire such as geographic, social, cultural and administrative. Ain- i-Akbari delineates the picture of Mughal society which comprised of the Hindus, the Jainas, the Buddhists and the Muslims. In other words, the Mughals had a composite culture.

Question 4.
Give main features of different capital cities of the Mughals.
Or
“The heart of the Mughal Empire was its capital city.” Explain with ‘.examples. (C.B.S.E. 2015 (D))
Answer:
Capital city was the heart of the Mughal empire. Mughal courts were assembled here. The Mughals changed their capitals frequently during 16th and 17th centuries. Although Babur captured Agra, capital city of Lodhis but still, within four years of his reign, royal court assembled at different places.

1. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri: Akbar constructed Agra fort in the decade of 1560’s. Red marble was used in its construction. In the decade of 1570’s, he decided to shift his capital to Fatehpur Sikri. Its reason was probably that Sikri was situated on the direct road to Ajmer where there was a tomb of Shaikh Muin-ud-din Chishti. This tomb had become an important pilgrimage centre. The Mughal rulers had very close relations with Sufis of Chishti silsila. Akbar constructed a white marble tomb for Shaikh Salim Chishti near Jumma mosque at Sikri. He also constructed Buland Darwaza. It’s objective was to remind visitors about the Mughal victory over Gujarat.

2. Lahore: In 1585, the capital was shifted to Lahore to increase control over north western frontiers. In this way, Akbar maintained a great check for 13 years on this frontiers.

Shah Jahan adopted sound fiscal policies and accumulated enough wealth for his passion of buildings. The work of construction of building in monarchical cultures was a tangible sign of dynastic power, wealth and prestige. It was also seen as an act of piety in the context of Muslim rulers.

3. Shahjahanabad: In 1648 C.E., Court, military and royal family were migrated to new capital Shahjahanabad from Agra. Shahjahanabad was a new addition to the old residential city of Delhi. The city of Delhi had Red Fort, Jama Masjid, a tree lined esplanade with bazaars, i.e., Chandni Chowk and large mansions of nobles. This new city of Shah Jahan was appropriate to a more formal vision of a grand monarchy.

Question 5.
“The keeping of exact and detailed records was one of the major ’ features of Mughal administration.” Explain the statement with example. (C.B.S.E. 2009, 2016 (O.D.))
Or
“The keeping of exact and detailed records was a major concern of the Mughal administration.” Suport the statement with facts. (C.B.S.E. 2012, 2015 (O.D.))
Answer:
Yes, it is true that the keeping of exact and detailed records was one of the major features of the Mughal administration.

1. Mir Bakshi used to check the group of Court writers (waqia nawis). These writers used to record all applications and documents presented in the court and all imperial orders.

2.Agents (wakil) of nobles and regional rulers used to record whole of the working of the court under the heading of ‘News from the Date Court’. These records also included the time and dates of meetings of court.

3. The akhbarat had all kinds of information like attendance at the court, distribution of offices and titles, diplomatic missions, received presents and enquiries made by the emperor about the health of any officer.

4. News reports and important documents travelled across the regions under Mughal empire by imp
erial post.

5. The emperor received reports from even distant provincial capitals within a few days. Whole of the empire was connected by surprisingly rapid information loop for public news.

Question 6.
What do you know about religious policy of Akbar and Din-i-Ilahi?
Or
Discuss main features of religious policy of Akbar.
Or
Discuss the changes which came in Akbar’s views about religion from accession to throne till the founding of Din-i-Ilahi.
Answer:
Akbar was one of the greatest emperors of his times. His religious policy was based on the concepts of liberalness and tolerance. Such a big change in his religious ideas came because of the following reasons:

1. Impact of Clan: Akbar’s father Humayun was not a fundamentalist. His mother Hamidabano Begum belonged to the Shia sect. Akbar was greatly influenced by her liberal and tolerable nature.

2. Impact of teacher and protector: For the first few years as a king, Akbar remained under the protection of Bairam Khan. Akbar was very much influenced by Bairam Khan and his teacher Abdul Latifs liberal ideas.

3. Contacts with Rajputs: Akbar established marital relations with Rajputs. His Hindu queens played a great role in changing his religious ideas.

4. Mutual conflicts among Maulavis: Akbar was fed up with mutual conflicts among Maulavis and Mullas. He went against them and began work in search of religious truth.

5. Impact of Sufi Saints: Sufi saints of that time propagated the liberal religious ideas. It also helped in changing his religious ideas.

6. Demand of Time: Akbar wanted to establish a large empire. That is why he wanted to have cooperation of both Hindus and Muslims.

7. Construction of Ibadatkhana: Akbar established one Ibadatkhana (place of worship) at Fatehpur Sikri where different religious leaders used to express their ideas. From their ideas, Akbar came to know that religious truth does not remain in one particular religion but is equally exists in all the religions.

Just because of all these reasons he began behaving in a liberal way. He removed Jizya and permitted every one to practice their religious customs.

Din-i-Ilahi: Din-i-Ilahi was the result of progress of religious sentiments of Akbar. He founded a new religion Din-i-Ilahi in 1582 A.D. He included all the basic concepts and elements of all the religions and sects. Gods-Goddesses, Pirs, etc., had no place in it. According to this, God is one and Akbar is his top most devotee. Followers of this religion were not allowed to be non-vegetariAnswer:Its followers used to greet each other by saying ‘Allah-hu-Akbar’. They were always ready to sacrifice every thing for the emperor. Din-i- Ilahi did not become popular because Akbar hardly took any step to popularise it among the masses.

Question 7.
Briefly describe the structure of central administration of Akbar or Mughals.
Or
Explain organisation of the administration and army during the rule of Akbar as given in ‘Ain.’ (C.B.S.E. 2012’ (O.D.))
Answer:
Akbar himself was an administrator of top quality. He tried to strengthen the central power. Administrative system started by him remained there during whole of Mughal period. In short, following are the main features of central administration of Akbar and Mughals:

1. Emperor: During the reign of Akbar, emperor himself was the central axis of administration. All the powers of administration were in his hands and there was no res-triction on his powers. Even then the emperor hardly acted as an autocratic ruler. Mullas and Maulavis had no impact on him. He considered himself as a representative of God.

2. Council of Ministers: There was an arrangement of council of ministers for giving help to emperor in administrative activities. Powers of the Ministers were not elaborated as in modem times. They worked according to the orders of the emperor. That is why they could have been called as secretaries of emperor. The post of Prime Minister was above all the other ministers. Emperor used to seek his advice on all the serious matters. Every minister was responsible to emperor himself. They could remain in their office until the emperor remained happy with them.

Important minister and their offices are given below:

  1. Waqil or Wazir: He acted as Prime Minister and used to give advice to emperor on all the important matters.
  2. Mir Bakhshi: His main work was to give salary to military and civilian officials.
  3. Sadr-us-Sudur: He Was the minister of grants and incharge of appointing local judges or qazis.
  4. Khan-i-Sama: He used to arrange necessary things for emperor and his royal family.
  5. Main Qazi: His main work was to give justice. He was the top most judge after the emperor.
  6.  Diwan: He used to keep accounts of the empire. His signatures were required to pay money to any one.
  7. Other Ministers: Except these ministers, there were different ministers for forests, postal department, department of artillery, etc.

Kings and Chronicles Important Extra Questions HOTS

Question 1.
From which word did the term ‘Mughal’ was derived? Was this word chosen by the Mughals themselves and why?
Answer:
The term ‘Mughal’ was derived from the word ‘Mongol’. Though this term was associated with the grandeur of the Mughal Empire yet it was not chosen for themselves by the Mughal rulers. From the paternal side, they referred to themselves as Timurids, that is, the descendants of the Turkish ruler Timur. However, from the mother’s side, Babur was related to Genghis Khan, a Mongol. However, Babur himself spoke Turkish and considered Mongols as barbaric hordes.

Question 2.
Why did the Mughals call themselves Timurids?
Answer:
The Mughals were related to Mongols from the maternal side. However, they did not like Mongols whom they considered barbaric hordes. On the other hand, they were related to the Turkish ruler Timur from the paternal side. So, they called themselves Timurids. Babur himself spoke Turkish.

Question 3.
Why did the Mughal artists start portraying emperors with halo from the seventeenth century onward?
Answer:
From the seventeenth century onwards, the Mughal artists began to portray emperors with a halo which they had seen in the European paintings of Christ and the Virgin Mary. This light was the symbol of the light of God. It showed that the Mughal kings derived their power directly from God.

Question 4.
How was the ideal of Sulh-i-Kul a unifying force in the Mughal Empire? How was this ideal enforced?
Or
How was the ideal of Sulh-i-Kul implemented through state policies? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2011 (O.D.))
Or
“Abul Fazl has described the ideal of Sulh-i-Kul of Akbar as the corner¬. stone of his enlightened rule.” Justify. (C.B.S.E. 2015 (D))
Answer:
According to Mughal chronicles, the Mughal Empire comprised of different ethnic and religious communities like the Hindus, the Jainas, the Zoroastrians, and the Muslims. However, the emperor was above all religious and ethnic groups. He stood for peace, unity, and stability. He mediated among all the groups to ensure peace, unity, and justice.

Abul Fazl has stated that the ideal of Sulh-i-Kul stood for absolute peace between all the religious and ethnic groups. It was the cornerstone of enlightened rule. All religions enjoyed full freedom of expression. But no one was allowed to undermine the authority of the state. Besides, the people belonging to different religious and ethnic groups were not allowed to quarrel among themselves.

The nobles of the Mughal Empire implemented the ideal of Sulh-i-Kul. All the officers had the royal instructions to follow the ideal of Sulh-i-Kul in administration.

Question 5.
“Granting of titles to men of merit was an important aspect of Mughal polity.” Justify the statement with suitable evidence. (C.B.S.E. 2010 (O.D.))
Or
“The granting of titles to the men of merit was an important aspect of Mughal policy”. Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2017 (O.D.))
Or
“The granting of titles was an important aspect of Mughal policy”. Justify the Statement. (C.B.S.E. 2019 (O.D.))
Answer:
Giving titles to able persons was an important aspect of the Mughal polity. The promotion of any person in the court hierarchy was known only by the titles he held. One of the titles of Asaf Khan for one of the topmost minister was originated with Asaf, the legendary minister of the prophet king Sulaiman. Aurangzeb gave the title of Mirza Raja to his topmost nobles Jai Singh and Jaswant Singh. Titles could either be earned or were paid. Mir Khan offered? 1 Lakh to emperor Aurangzeb for the letter Alif means A, to be added to his name to change it to Amir Khan.

Question 6.
Identify the distinctive features of the imperial household of the Mughal Empire. (C.B.S.E. 2015 (O.D.))
Or
“The Mughal imperial household  held vivid dimensions of their domestic life.” Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2019 (O.D.))
Answer:

1. The term “harem” is frequently used to refer to the domestic world of the Mughals. The Mughal household consisted of the emperor’s wives and concubines, his near and distant relatives, and female servants and slaves.
2. Polygamy was practised widely in the Indian subcontinent, expecially among the ruling groups.
3. A distinction was maintained between wives who came from royal and aristocratic families (begams) and other wives (aghas) who were not so noble by birth.
4. The Begams were married after receiving huge amounts of cash and valuables as dower (mahr), naturally received a higher status and greater attention from their husbands than did aghas.
5. The concubines occupied the lowest position in the hierarchy of females intimately related to royalty. They all received monthly allowances in cash, supplemented with gifts according to their status.

Question 7.
Traditions of titles, gifts and peshkash were deeply associated with Mughal Court. Elucidate by giving examples.
Answer:
1. The Mughal emperors used to adopt grand titles at the time of coronation or after a victory over
any enemy when these titles were announced by ushers (naqib) then an atmosphere of awe was created in the evidence. Full title of the reigning emperor with royal protocol were carried on the Mughal coins.

2. Giving titles to able persons was an important aspect of the Mughal polity. Promotion of any person in court hierarchy was known only by titles he held. One of the title of Asaf Khan for one of the top most minister was originated with Asaf, the legendary minister of the prophet King Sulaiman. Aurangzeb gave title of Mirza Raja to his top most nobles Jai Singh and Jaswant Singh. Titles could either be earned or were paid. Mir Khan offered? 1 Lakh to emperor Aurangzeb for the letter Alif means A, to be added to his name to change it to Amir Khan.

3. Rewards included the robe of honour, i.e., Khilat. It was a garment once worn by the emperor. It was assumed that it was a symbol of his benediction. Sarapa was another gift (head to foot). This gift had three parts: a tunic, a turban and a sash. Emperor also used to gift jewelled ornaments.

4. Only in exceptional circumstances, the emperor used to give the lotus blossom set with jewels (padma murassa).

5. No courtier ever approached the emperor empty handed. He offered either small amount of money as nazr or a large amount as peshkash.

6. Gifts were regarded as symbols of respect and honour in diplomatic relations. Ambassadors used to do an important work of negotiating treaties between competing political powers. Thomas Roy was very much disappointed with the return of a ring which he presented to Asaf Khan. It was returned because it was worth only? 400.

Kings and Chronicles Important Extra Questions Source-Based

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow: (C.B.S.E. 2016 (D))

Question 1.
The Accessible Emperor

In the account of his experiences, Monserrate, who was a member of the first Jesuit mission, says:

It is hard to exaggerate how accessible he (Akbar) makes himself to all who wish audience of him. For he creates an opportunity almost every day for any of the common people or of the nobles to see him and to converse with him; and he endeavours to show himself pleasant-spoken and affable rather than severe towards all who come to speak with him. It is very remarkable how great an effect this courtesy and affability has in attaching him to the minds of his subjects.
(i) Who were Jesuit? What was the role of Jesuit Mission in the 16th century India?
Answer:
The Jesuits were the religious preachers. They came from Europe to visit the Mughal court. In the 16th century India, the Jesuit Mission was a part of the process of trade and empire-building.

Question 2.
Nobles at Court

The Jesuit priest Father Antonio Monserrate, resident at the court of Akbar, noticed:
In order to prevent the great nobles becoming insolent through the unchallenged enjoyment of power, the King summons them to court and gives them imperious commands, as though they were his slaves. The obedience to these commands ill suits their exalted rank and dignity.
Questions
(i) Who was Father Antonio Monserrate?
Answer:
Father Antonio Monserrate was a Jesuit priest.
He ws a resident at the court of Akbar.

(ii) According to him, how did the king control his nobles? What was his aim?
Answer:
The nobles served as officers of the Mughal empire in the provinces. The king kept them under control by doing the following:
(a) He personally reviewed changes in rank, titles and official postings.
(b) He established spiritual relationship with selected nobles. He treated them as if they were his disciples (murid).
(c) He summoned them to his courts and gave them imperious commands. He treated them as if they were slaves. All the nobles obeyed the king though it did not suit their rank and status.

(iii) Give any three characteristics of the Mughal nobility.
Answer:
(a) The nobles participated in military campaigns with their armies.
(b) They served as officers of the empire in the provinces.
(c) They maintained horsemen.

Question 3.
Darbar-i-Akbari

Abu’l Fazl gives a vivid account of Akbar’s darbar:
Whenever His Majesty (Akbar) holds court (darbar) a large drum is beaten, the sounds of which are accompanied by Divine praise. In this manner, people of all classes receive notice. His Majesty’s sons and grand children, the grandees of the Court, and all other men who have admittance, attend to make the kornish, and remain standing in their proper places. Learned men of renown and skilful mechanics pay their respects; and the officers of justice present their reports. His Majesty, with his usual insights, gives orders, and settles everything in a satisfactory manner. During the whole time, skilful gladiators and wrestlers from all countries hold themselves in readiness and singers, male and female, are in waiting. Clever jugglers and funny tumblers also are anxious to exhibit their dexterity and agility.
(i) How were the people informed about the royal court?
Answer:
The people were informed about the sitting of the court (darbar) by beating a large drum and singing Divine praise.

(ii) Explain any four political activities of the Mughal court.
Answer:
(a) The sons and grandchildren of the king attended the court. Besides all those attended the court who were allowed admission.
(b) They bowed before the king and stood in their proper places.
(c) The officers of justice presented their reports.
(d) The king only gave orders and settled everything in a satisfactory manner.

(iii) What was the arrangement for the entertainment of the darbaris?
Answer:
The gladiators, the wrestlers, the singers, the jugglers and the tumblers entertained those who attended the court.

(iv) How was the status of a Darbari determined in the court?
Answer:
In the court, status of a darbari was determined by proximity of his seat to the king.

Question 4.
In Praise of Taswir

Abu’l Fazl held the art of painting in high esteem:
Drawing the likeness of anything is called a taser. His Majesty from his earliest youth has shown a great predilection for this art, and gives it every encouragement, as he looks upon it as a means both of study and amusement. A very large number of painters have been set to work. Each week, several supervisors and clerks of the imperial workshop submit before the emperor the work done by each artist, and His Majesty gives a reward and increases the monthly salaries of the artists according to the excellence displayed … Most excellence displayed… Most excellent painters are now to be found, and masterpieces, worthy of a Bihzad, may be placed at the side of the wonderful works of the European painters who have attained worldwide fame.

The minuteness in detail, the general finish, and the boldness of execution now observed in pictures are incomparable; even inanimate objects look as if they have life. More than a hundred painters have become famous masters of art. This is especially true of Hindu artists. Their pictures surpass our conception of things. Few, indeed, in the whole world are found equal to them.
(i) How has Abu’l Fazl described the art of painting? According to him, what is taser (picture)?
Answer:
According to Abu’l Fazl, painting is a magical art. It means drawing the likeness of anything.

(ii) How did Emperor Akbar encourage painting?
Answer:
Emperor Akbar encouraged painting as he looked upon it as a means of both study and amusement. He engaged many painters. He also personally checked their work. He gave a reward and an increase in monthly salary to the excellent painters.

(iii) Give any two features of pictures made by the Hindu painters?
Answer:
(a) The Hindu artists displayed minuteness, finish and boldness in their paintings.
(b) They made inanimate things look as if they had life in them.

The End of Bipolarity Class 12 Important Extra Questions Political Science Chapter 2

Here we are providing Class 12 Political Science Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 2 The End of Bipolarity. Political Science Class 12 Important Questions are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

Class 12 Political Science Chapter 2 Important Extra Questions The End of Bipolarity

The End of Bipolarity Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Mention any two reasons for the disintegration of the Soviet Union. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Or
Why did the Soviet Union disintegrate? Highlight any two arguments in support of your Answer. (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Answer:
(i) Defective Leadership. Defective leadership was mainly responsible for the disintegration of the U.S.S.R.
(ii) Liberal Policy of Gorbachev. Due to the liberal policy, of Gorbachev, anti-Soviet Union forces became bold and they increased their strength.

Question 2.
Who was the last President of the Soviet Union and for how long? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Mikhail Gorbachev was the last President of the Soviet Union. He remains President from 1985 to 1991.

Question 3.
Name the republic that succeeded the Soviet Union after its disintegration. What was its position in the international domain? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Russia succeeded the Soviet Union after its disintegration. Russia inherited the U.S.S.R seat in the Security Council. It accepted all the U.S.S.R’s commitments and international treaties. Russia is the only nuclear state among Post Communist Countries.

Question 4.
Mention any two reforms initiated by Gorbachev. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Gorbachev initiated following two reforms:

1. Perestroika: It means restructuring.
2. Glasnost: It means openness.

Question 5.
Who encouraged the coup that took place in 1991 in the Soviet Union and Why? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Hardliners of the Communist Party encouraged the coup that took place in 1991 because they did not want the old-style rule of the Communist Party.

Question 6.
When did India sign the twenty- years ‘Treaty of Peace and Friendship’ with the Soviet Union? (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2012 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
India signed the twenty years ‘Treaty of Peace and Friendship’ with the Soviet Union in August 1971. This treaty assured India of Soviet’s support if the country faced any attack.

Question 7.
Mention any two characteristics of the Soviet Political System. (C.B.S.E. 2008, 2012 Delhi)
Or
Which were the two important y features of the Soviet System? (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Or
State any two features of the Soviet System. (Imp) (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:

  1. The Soviet system was based on Communist principles.
  2. Soviet system of government was based on federalism.

Question 8.
What is meant by Shock Therapy? (C.B.S.E. 2009, 2014)
Answer:
The authoritarian socialist system existed in Communist countries. With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the process of change from an authoritarian socialist system to a Democratic Socialist System started in the countries and this process of change is called Shock Therapy.

The End of Bipolarity Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type (2 Marks)

Question 1.
State any one special feature of Indo- Russian friendship. (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Answer:
Indo-Russian relations order is the co-existence of several powers in the internal system.

Question 2.
Highlight any one feature of the multi-polar world as visualized by both Russian and India. (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Answer:
Collective responsibility for security.

Question 3.
Highlight any one consequence of‘Shock Therapy5. (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
The old system of social welfare was systematically destroyed.

Question 4.
Highlight any one major distinction between the Soviet economy and the Capitalist economy. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
According to the Soviet economy, the state should have full control over the means of production and the material resources of the country, while the Capitalist economy believes in delicensing and removing restrictions governing the private sector.

Question 5.
Highlight any one democratic value which the bureaucratic and Authoritarian Soviet system Lacked. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
There is a lack of freedom of speech and impression in the Soviet system.

Question 6.
Why did Boris Yeltsin oppose the coup that took place in the Soviet Union in 1991? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Boris Yeltsin opposes the coup to protect the democracy and for the continuation of reforms.

Question 7.
Identify the event that took place in 1989 which led to the collapse of the ‘Second World5 and the end of the Cold War. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
The fall of the Berlin Wall took place in 1989 which led to the collapse of the Second World and the end of the Cold War.

Question 8.
The Soviet economy was more developed than the rest of the world except for the U.S. after the end of the Second World War. Substantiate the statement with any one example. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
The Soviet Union had a vast energy resource, including oil, iron and steel, machinery production.

Choose the correct Answer:
Question 9.
In which year Gorbachev became General Secretary of the Communist Party of U.S.S.R.?
(a) 1989 (b) 1990
(c) 1987 (d) 1985.
Answer:
(d) 1985.

Question 10.
Russia took over the U.S.S.R. seat in the U.N. in:
(a) December 1991 (b) November 1989
(c) December 1990 (d) October 1992.
Answer:
(a) December 1991

Question 11.
Which one of the following was NOT given primacy by the makers of the Soviet System? (C.B.S.E. 2016)
(a) Abolition of private property
(b) Society based on the principle of equality.
(c) No opposition party to be allowed.
(d) No state control over the economy.
Answer:
(d) No state control over the economy.

Question 12.
Correct the statement and rewrite: (Sample Paper 2019-20)

The first world was the communist countries and the third world was the capitalist countries.
Answer:
The first world was capitalist countries and the third world was Asian African countries.

The End of Bipolarity Important Extra Questions  Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Explain any four reasons for the disintegration of the U.S.S.R. (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
The following were the main defects of the Soviet System:

1. The Soviet system allowed only the Communist Party to exist in U.S.S.R. The Communist Party was regarded as ‘the Vanguard of the working people in their struggle to strengthen and develop the socialist system’. No other party was allowed to exist in the Soviet Union.

2. The Soviet system became very bureaucratic and authoritarian. The foes of socialism were ruthlessly dealt with. There was the dictatorship of the Communist Party.

3. In Soviet Union, stress was more on social and economic rights than on political rights. There was no freedom of speech and expression. Any opinion expressed against the ‘Party line’ was deemed to be a matter of treason and hence punished with severity.

4. In the Soviet system federalism was adopted but the Union Republic of the U.S.S.R. was completely under the control of the Communist Party. The Soviet federal structure was like a pyramid where the Communist Party was the apex and controlled the primary organs of the party at the base.

Question 2.
Write four main features of the Soviet Economic System.
Answer:
Soviet Economic System was totally different from Western Economic System.

  1. The planned economy was adopted in U.S.S.R. The economy of the state was managed on the basis of state plans for economic and social developments.
  2. In the Soviet Union, all economic activities were controlled by the state. All industries were nationalized.
  3. In the Soviet Union, there was no private economy and all means of production and distribution were owned and controlled by the state.
  4. The citizens were given the Right to work, Right to wages, and Right to rest and leisure.

Question 3.
Discuss India’s emerging relationship with Russia. (C.B.S.E. 2005 Set-II Outside Delhi)
Answer:
India’s relations with Russia are cordial and friendly. In Jan. 1993 a new treaty of friendship and co-operation was designed to guide the path of Indo-Russian relations in the next 20 years. In December 1994, the Russian Prime Minister visited India and during his visit, India and Russia signed 8 agreements covering such vital areas as defense, technology, and space exploration.

In June 1998, India and Russia signed Nuclear Pact. On June 29, 2000, India and Russia signed a number of agreements on Indo-Russian defense co-operation. On 2nd October 2000, President Putin visited India. India and Russia signed 10 agreements.

Russian President Putin visited India in January 2007. During his visit, nine Memorandums of Cooperation were signed between the two countries, in Dec. 2015 India P.M. Sh. Narendra Modi visited Russia and signed 16 agreements.

Question 4.
Describe any four consequences of Shock Therapy. (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
Most of the Communist countries changed from an authoritarian system to a democratic capitalist system. The process of transition from an authoritarian socialist system to a democratic capitalist system is called Shock Therapy. Following were the main features of Shock Therapy:

  1. Each of these countries had to make a total change from a socialist economy to a capitalist economy.
  2. Each of these countries had to adopt private ownership as a dominant pattern of ownership of property.
  3. All these countries had to privatize all state assets and establish corporate ownership patterns.
  4. Collective farming was replaced by capitalist (private) farming.

The End of Bipolarity Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
What was the Soviet System? Assess any four features of the Soviet System. (Imp) (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Or
Describe any six features of the erstwhile Soviet system. (C.B. S. E. 2019)
Answer:
In October 1917 first Socialist Revolution took place in Russia. Bolshevik Revolution took place under the leadership of Lenin. The rule of the Czar was overthrown and a new government headed by Lenin was established. A new constitution was framed in 1918, again in 1924, and again in 1936. The system of government in the U.S.S.R. is generally known as the Soviet System of government. The Soviet system of economy was a planned economy and was managed on the basis of state flaws for economic and social development. The system of government in the U.S.S.R. is generally known as the Soviet System government. Following were the main features of the Soviet System of government:

1. The Soviet System was based on Communist Principles. Lenin and Stalin adjusted the communist philosophy to the needs of the country. Marxist philosophy was the guiding principle behind the Soviet Constitution.

2. The ‘Soviet’ system formed the basis of the political and constitutional organization of the U.S.S.R. The word ‘Soviet’ means a council consisting of the elected deputies or delegates or workers.

3. In the very first Article of the Stalin Constitution (1936), “The Union of Soviet Republic was described as a socialist state of workers and peasants.”

4. U.S.S.R. was a one-party state. The Communist Party occupied a pivotal position in the socio-political system of the Soviet Union. The Communist Party was the supreme guiding energy in the state. The Communist Party was the architect and defender of the socialist system in the U.S.S.R. as well as the guide and teacher of the people. No other party was allowed in the U.S.S.R.

5. Soviet System was based on the principle of ‘Democratic Centralism’. To quote Vyshinsky, “The Soviet Union State is built on the principle of democratic centralism sharply opposed to the bureaucratic centralism of the capitalist state.” This principle meant that all bodies of administration were elected and organised on democratic principles. The principle also meant that the lower body was responding to the higher body and the decision of the higher bodies was binding on the lower bodies.

6. The citizens of the U.S.S.R. were given a number of fundamental rights along with duties. Rights were given to the citizens with a view to strengthening the socialist system. In other words, rights must be in conformity with the interests of the working people.

Question 2.
Analyse any six factors which helped the Soviet Union in becoming a superpower after the Second World War. (C.B.S.E. 2010, 2012 Delhi)
Answer:
After the Second World War, the Soviet Union became a superpower and U.S.S.R. became a leader of the Socialist bloc. Following were the factors which helped the Soviet Union in becoming a superpower after the Second World War:

  1. In U.S.S.R. the economy was planned and completely controlled by the state.
  2. The Soviet Union had adequate natural resources.
  3. It had modern means of transport and telecommunication.
  4. Citizens of the Soviet Union enjoyed all basic needs for public life.
  5. It had a powerful and large army.
  6. It had nuclear weapons and the Soviet Union was a permanent member of U.N. Security Council.

Question 3.
Mention any six reasons responsible for the disintegration of the Soviet Union. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Or
How did the Soviet Union suddenly disintegrate? Explain any six reasons. (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Or
Mention the limitations of USSR that led to its disintegration. (C.B.S.E. Sample Paper 2018)
Or
Why did the Soviet Union, the second most powerful country in the world, suddenly disintegrate? Explain any six reasons. (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2017, 2019)
Answer:
The following were the main reasons for the disintegration of the former Soviet Union:

1. The Soviet system allowed only the Communist Party to exist in U.S.S.R. The Communist Party was regarded as ‘The Vanguard of the working people in their struggle to strengthen and develop the socialist system.’ No other party was allowed to exist in the Soviet Union.

2. The Soviet system became bureaucratic and authoritarian. The foes of socialism were ruthlessly dealt with. There was the dictatorship of the Communist Party.

3. In the Soviet Union, stress was more on social and economic rights than on political rights. There was no freedom of speech and expression. Any opinion expressed against the ‘Party line’ was deemed to be a matter of treason and hence severe punishment was inflicted.

4. In the Soviet system, federalism was adopted but the Union Republic of U.S.S.R. was completely under the control of the Communist Party. The Soviet federal structure was like a pyramid where the Communist
Party was the apex and controlled the primary organs of the party at the base.

5. The Soviet Union lagged behind the west in technology, infrastructure, etc.

6. The Soviet Union failed in fulfilling the political and economic aspirations of the citizens.

Question 4.
Describe the role of Gorbachev j to reform the Soviet System and the j effects of these reforms on the U.S.S.R. j (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
Mikhail Gorbachev became the General Secretary of the General Party of the U.S.S.R. in 1985. He introduced political and economic reforms. Following factors forced Gorbachev to initiate reforms in the U.S.S.R.

  1. The Soviet Union lagged behind the west in technology, infrastructure, etc.
  2. The Soviet System was authoritarian. There was rampant corruption in the administration and people were alienated from the government. Citizens were not happy with the political system.
  3. Communist Party controlled the government and all institutions and was not responsible to the people. There was neither any opposition party nor any democratic values.
  4. The Soviet Union failed in fulfilling the political and economic aspirations of the citizens.
  5. The invasion of Afghanistan weakened the Soviet Union both economically and politically.

Gorbachev sought to reform this system. He introduced economic and political reform policies of Perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness). These reforms were necessary to keep the Soviet Union abreast of information and technological revolutions.

Although power and privileges were declining, Gorbachev applied the policies into haste. As a result, it lost popular support. Due to this, the people of East European Countries started to protest against their own governments and Soviet control. This process was accompanied by a rapidly escalating crisis within the Soviet Union that has to end its disintegration.

As there was an internal struggle within the Soviet Union due to the rise of nationalism by the small states that were ethically diverse. It thus led to the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the collapse of the socialist system. The disintegration of the Soviet Union means the emergence of many newly independent countries All the 15 Union Republics of the U.S.S.R. has become independent states. Each country has its own political aspirations. Some of them, especially the Baltic and the East European States, joined the European Union and became members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Question 5.
Examine India’s changing: relationship with Post-Communist Russia. (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2011, Delhi, 2012 Outside Delhi):
Answer:
After the disintegration of the U.S.S.R. in December 1991, Russia emerged as the legal successor state of the former superpower in world politics. Russian President Yeltsin assured the Indian Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao that Russia’s relationship and co-operation with India would continue. In early 1992, India and Russia took the first firm step to rebuild economic relations. The decision to end Rupee trade and to switch over to hard currencies was taken. Russia also favoured strategic co-operation with India. Russia also decided to supply another three million tonnes of oil to India in 1993.

Visit of Russian President Boris Yeltsin. In the last week of January 1993, Russian President Boris Yeltsin visited India. President Yeltsin announced that Russia would support India in the United Nations’ Security Council on the Kashmir issue. India and Russia agreed to coordinate their activities and exchange information and experience to combat different manifestations of terrorism, organised crime and illegal arms trade. The signing of a new Treaty of Friendship and co-operation was designed to guide the path of Indo-Russian relations in the next 20 years.

P.M. Narasimha Rao’s visit to Russia. In June 1994, the then P.M. Narasimha Rao visited Russia. The visit produced two significant declarations and nine agreements. Both the countries denounced the efforts to weaken the unity of pluralisation of states through religious extremism.

Russian P.M.’s Visit to India. In December 1994 the Russian Prime Minister visited India and during his visit, India and Russia signed 8 agreements covering such vital areas as defence, technology and space exploration. Russia assured India that it has no desire to supply arms to Pakistan.

India, Russia Sign N-Pact. On 21st June 1998, in a far-reaching nuclear deal, India and Russia signed an accord for construction of two 1000 MW light-water nuclear power reactors at Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu.

In March 2000, Vladimir Putin was elected as the President of Russia. On April 15, 2000, President Putin ratified an extradition treaty with India aimed at curbing terrorism. A senior Russian atomic energy official called for recognition of India and Pakistan as nuclear-weapon states. On June 28, 2000, India and Russia decided to set up a commission on Military- Technical Co-operation to impart greater impetus to defence ties and accelerate decision-making. India agreed to buy $ 1 billion worth of Russian arms. On June 29, 2000, India and Russia signed a number of agreements on Indo-Russian defence co-operation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. On 2nd October 2000, President Putin visited India. India and Russia forged a strategic partnership that proposes structured co-operation in the fields of nuclear sciences, defence, space and fights against international terrorism, separatism, religious extremism, organised crime and illegal drug trafficking. India and Russia signed 10 agreements to enhance their bilateral ties in various fields. On October 4, 2000, a new era dawned in the Indo- Russian defence ties with the two countries signing multi-billion dollar agreements for sale of armaments. They also decided to set up an Inter-governmental Commission on defence and technical co-operation.

Accord on Terrorism. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee visited Moscow in November 2001. India and Russia signed the far-reaching Moscow Declaration on international terrorism declaring that the struggle against this scourge had become one of the priority tasks of the world community. The two sides reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in the efforts of the international community in the struggle against terrorism.

Defence Agreement. On 20th January 2004, India and Russia signed the historic and their biggest ever defence deal of almost? 7,000 crore. The defence ministers said that the military and technical co-operation between India and Russia has reached a higher level.

Visit of Russian President (December 2004): Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India in Dec. 2004. India and Russia moved closer vowing to reconcile their positions on two contentious issues of Russian entry into the W.T.O. and New Delhi according to market economy status to Moscow. The two countries signed 10 agreements and Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen bilateral co-operation in banking, energy, space exploration, navigation and visa sectors. Russian President supported India’s candidature for a permanent seat in U.N. Security Council with Veto Power.

Visit of Indian Prime Minister to Moscow (December 2005). Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh visited Moscow on December 6, 2005. Moscow agreed to help India in acquiring the latest nuclear energy generation technology to meet the country’s growing power requirements. India and Russia identified three key areas—nuclear energy, defence and trade and industry—to give special attention to while transforming their buyer-seller relationship into one that aims at joint planning and manufacture of high technology arms and armaments.

Russian Doctrine gives Top Priority to ties with India. Russia’s new foreign policy concept displayed on the Russian President’s website on July 15, 2008, says: “In deepening the strategic partnership with India, Russia pursues the principled policy towards stronger interaction on burning international problems and all-round strengthening of mutually beneficial relations in all spheres especially in achieving a substantial uplift in commercial and economic ties.” In December 2008, Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed an agreement concerning Uranium.

Russia will help India in setting up four additional nuclear plants at Kudankulam, where two plants are already functioning with Russian help.

Visit of Indian Prime Minister to Moscow (December 2009). Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh visited Moscow in Dec. 2009. During his visit, both countries signed a Comprehensive Civil Nuclear Pact.

Visit of Russian President (December 2010). Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited India on December 21, 2010. India and Russia demonstrated to the world why their relationship was so special. The two countries signed a record 29 deals, including one on joint designing and development of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) and another for jointly undertaking projects in the oil and gas sector in India, Russia or a Third Country. The Russian President endorsed India’s candidature for a permanent UN Security Council seat and also promised to support India’s quest to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, MTCR and the Wassenaar Arrangement.

Visit of Russian President (December 2012). Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India in Dec. 2012. Setting aside their differences over civil nuclear co-operation, India and Russia signed two key defence deals worth about? 25,000 crore. The two countries also inked other agreements in fields, such as space, trade and investment, science and technology, education and culture, reinforcing the strong dynamos of their time tested friendship.

Visit of Indian Prime Minister to Russia (October 2013). On 21st October 2013, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Russia. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Putin directed officials to resolve Kodaikalnal nuclear power plant issues. Both leaders observed that defence cooperation is a crucial element in the strategic partnership and decided to enhance cooperation in the field of rocket, missile, naval technologies and weapon systems.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation in the field of terrorism and looked at ways to enhance trade and investment among other subjects. The two leaders affirmed their commitment to the Agreement of Cooperation in the Use of Atomic Energy for peaceful purposes and the road map for the social construction of the Russian designed Nuclear Power Plants in India.

Visit of Russian President to India. In December 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India. During this visit, both countries signed 20 important agreements.

In Dec. 2015, Indian P.M. Sh. Narendra Modi visited Russia. During this visit, both countries signed 16 agreements.

In October 2016, Russian President to Vladimir Putin visited India. During this, both countries signed 16 agreement.

In June 2017 Indian Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi visited Russia. During this visit, both countries signed 5 important agreements.

In October 2018, Russian President visited India. During this visit, both countries signed 8 important agreements.

In September 2019, Indian Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi visited Russia. During this visit, both countries signed 15 agreements.

The friendly relations between India and Russia have achieved a new level of privileged strategic partnership.

Question 6.
Highlight any three positive and three negative features each of the Soviet System in the Soviet Union. (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:
Positive Features:

  1. The planned economy was adopted in U.S.S.R. The economy of the state was managed on the basis of state plans for the economy and social developments.
  2. In the Soviet Union, all economic activities were controlled by the state. All industries were nationalised.
  3. In the Soviet Union, there was no private economy all means of production and distribution were owned and controlled by the state.

Negative Features:

  1. The Soviet system allowed only the Communist Party to exist in U.S.S.R. The Communist Party was regarded as ‘the Vanguard of the working people in their struggle to strengthen and develop the socialist system’. No other party was allowed to exist in the Soviet Union.
  2. The Soviet system became very bureaucratic and authoritarian. The foes of socialism were ruthlessly dealt with. There was the dictatorship of the Communist Party.
  3. In the Soviet Union, stress was more on social and economic rights than on political rights. There was no freedom of speech and expression. Any opinion expressed against the ‘Party line’ was deemed to be a matter of treason and hence punished with severity.

Question 7.
Highlight any three major consequences of ‘Shock Therapy’ in the Post Communist Regimes. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, there was a collapse of communism. After the collapse of communism, the process of change in these countries started from an authoritarian socialist system to a democratic capitalist system. The model of transition in Russia, Central Asia and East Europe that was influenced by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund came to be known as ‘Shock Therapy’. Though the ‘Shock Therapy’ differs in intensity and speed amongst former communist countries, its direction and features were quite common.

Consequences of Shock Therapy: Following are the consequences of Shock Therapy.

  1. Each of these countries had to make a total change from a socialist economy to a capitalist economy.
  2. Each of these countries had to adopt private ownership as a dominate pattern of ownership of property.
  3. All these countries had to privatise of all state assets and establish corporate ownership patterns.
  4. Collective farming was replaced by capitalist (private) farming.

Question 8.
Look at the given cartoon and Answer: the following questions: (C.B.S.E. 2009)

Political Science Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 2 The End of Bipolarity

(a) The cartoon refers to which treaty?

Answer:
Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation, 1971.

(b) How can we say that we were non-aligned even after signing this treaty with the Soviet Union?
Answer:
Even after signing the treaty of peace, friendship and cooperation, India remained a non-aligned country.

(c) Why was this treaty signed?
Answer:
Indo-Soviet friendship was signed to counteract the rival forces of India such as Pakistan.

Question 9.
Give any three examples to show that most of the former Soviet Republic were prone to conflict and tension. (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Or
Describe the factors that make most of the former Soviet Republics prone to conflicts and threats. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
The disintegration of the Soviet Union took place in 1991. There were 15 Union Republics (states) in the former U.S.S.R. Most of the former Soviet Republics were prone to conflicts and many Republics witnessed civil wars and insurgencies.

1. In Russia, Two Republics viz, Chechnya and Dagestan, witnessed violent secessionist movements. Moscow tried to suppress the movements. However, even indiscriminate military bombings failed to deter the aspirations for independence.
2. In Central Asia, Tajikistan witnessed a long- drawn Civil War that continued for a decade till 2001.
3. There were frequent conflicts in this region. Nagorno-Karabakh, in the province of Azerbaijan desire to secede and join Armenia.
4. The two provinces led to civil war in Georgia to attain independence. This hampered the life of the ordinary citizens creating hardships.
5. There were movements against the existing regimes in Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia. Soviet Republics were fighting over issues such as river water, etc.
6. The Central Asian Republics are rich in hydrocarbon resources thus, this area has become economically demanding. As a result, it has become a bone of contention between the outside power, oil companies and the neighbouring countries.

Question 10.
Read the passage given below carefully and Answer the following questions: (C.B.S.E. 2016)

Each of these countries was required to make a total shift to a capitalist economy, which meant rooting out completely any structures evolved during this period. Above all, it meant that private ownership was to be the dominant pattern of ownership of property. Privatization of state assets and corporate ownership patterns were to be immediately brought in. Collective farms were to be replaced by private farming and capitalism in agriculture. This transition ruled out any alternate or third way’

(i) Name any two countries which were required to make a total shift.
Answer:
Russia, Kazakistan.

(ii) Why were the collective farms to be replaced by private farming?
Answer:
Collective farms to be replaced by private farming, because the disintegration of Soviet bloc, and therefore each country related to the Soviet bloc, was required to make a total shift to a capitalist economy.

(iii) Since the ‘third way’ had been ruled out, what were the only two ways of controlling the economy?
Answer:
State-controlled socialism and capitalism.

Question 11.
The value of the ruble declined dramatically. The rate of inflation was so high that people lost all their savings. The collective farm system disintegrated leaving people without food security, and the government j started to import food. The old trading structure broke down with no alternative in its place. The old system of social welfare was systematically destroyed. The withdrawal of government subsidies pushed large sections of the people into poverty.

Read the above passage carefully and answer the following questions: (C.B.S.E. 2016)
(i) What is meant by subsidy?
Answer:
The subsidy is government financial help for needy people. When government helps the applicants at the lower-rate from, the market price this help is given the name ‘Subsidy’. For example, the government of India gives subsidy on L.P.G. Cylinders. Its real price is? 600 to? 650, whereas the government make it available to the consumer only in? 425 or t 450. The remaining price of t 175 to 200 is given by the government and it is called Subsidy on L.P.G.

(ii) How did the disintegration of the collective farm system lead to the loss of food security?
Answer:
The collective farm system disintegrated leaving people without food security. Due to the shortage of food elements, the government was forced to import the food. The old trading structure broke down with no alternative in its place.

(iii) This passage is associated with which country? Why did the government start importing food?
Answer:
This passage is associated with formers Soviet Republics. When the collective farm. System disintegrated people had a scarcity of food, government subsidies pushed a large section of the people into poverty, the old system of social welfare collapsed, the government started importing of food.

Question 12.
Read the following passage and Answer: the following questions. (C.B.S.E. sample Q.P. 2017)

The Central Asian countries wanted to take advantage of their geographical location and continue their close ties with Russia and also to establish ties with the West, the US, China and others. Thus, the international system saw many new players emerge, each with its own identity, interests, and economic and political difficulties. It is to these issues that we now turn.

(a) Why did the Central Asian countries want to maintain ties with both Russia and the West?
Answer:
The central Asian countries wanted to talk advantage of their geographical location and continue their close ties with Russia and also established ties with the west, the US, China and others.

(b) Name the new players that emerged in the international system after the disintegration of U.S.S.R.
Answer:
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia are the new player that emerged in the international system after the disintegration of U.S.S.R.

(c) Mention any two profound consequences of it on world politics.
Answer:

  1. A major consequence of the disintegration of U.S.S.R. was the end of the cold war.
  2. The disintegration of U.S.S.R. established the superiority of the capitalist system and the open market.

Question 13.
Read the following passage and Answer: the following questions: (C.B.S.E. 2019)

India has maintained good relations with all the post-communist countries. But the strongest relations are still those between Russia and India. India’s relations with Russia are an important aspect of India’s foreign policy. Indo-Russian relations are embedded in a history of trust and common interests and are matched by popular perception. Indian heroes from Raj Kapoor to Amitabh Bachchan are household names in Russia and many post¬Soviet countries. One can hear Hindi film songs all over the region, and India is part of the popular memory.
(i) What is meant by the post-communist countries?
Answer:
Post-communist countries mean those countries which were connected with U.S.S.R before its decentralisation. Armenia Azerbaijan, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan were the countries allied with U.S.S.R or post-communist countries.

(ii) Explain any two factors responsible for strong relations between India and Russia.
Answer:
Following are the factors responsible for the strong relations between India and Russia:
(A) Soviet Union supported India’s position on the Kashmir issue in the UN. It also supported India during the war with Pakistan and issues of terrorism India also supported Soviet foreign policy in China and other places.
(B) The Soviet Union got a good economic market for trade in India. It gave aid and technical assistance for steel plants like Bhilai, Bokaro, Visakhapatnam etc. The Soviet Union accepted Indian currency for trade when India was short of foreign exchange.

(iii) How are India’s relations with Russia an important aspect of India’s foreign policy?
Answer:
India’s relations with Russia are an important aspect of India’s foreign policy. Indo-Russian relations are embedded in a history of trust and common interest. These relations are also matched by popular perceptions.

The End of Bipolarity Important Extra Questions HOTS

Question 1.
The soviet system was based on the Principle of Democratic Centralism. Explain.
Answer:
Soviet System was based on the principle of ‘Democratic Centralism’. To quote Vyshinsky, “The Soviet Union State is built on the principle of democratic centralism sharply opposed to the bureaucratic centralism of the capitalist state.” This principle meant that all bodies of administration were elected and organised on democratic principles. The principle also meant that the lower body was responding to the higher body and the decision of the higher bodies were binding on the lower bodies.

Question 2.
Mention the basic concepts on which the new economic strategy of Gorbachev was based.
Answer:
The new economic strategy of Gorbachev was based on the following concepts:
(a) Uskorenie
(b) Perestroika and
(c) Glasnost.

Question 3.
Explain the meaning of the term ‘Glasnost’.
Answer:
Glasnost means ‘openness’. According to Gorbachev, the condition of the country can never improve without having faith in the people and without people’s active participation in the creative function. Hence, he decided that there shall be no state interference in the economic field of industries for steel plants like Bhilai, Bokaro, Visakhapatnam etc. The Soviet Union accepted Indian currency for trade when India was short of foreign exchange.
(ii) India’s relations with Russia are an important aspect of India’s foreign policy. Indo-Russian relations are embedded in a history of trust and common interest. These relations are also matched by popular perceptions.

Question 4.
Briefly explain the emergence of new identities in world politics after the end of the Cold War.
Answer:
The end of the Cold War was mainly responsible for the emergence of several new entities in world politics such as Russia, Balkan States, Central Asian States, etc. These new entities required to adopt a new strategy on a ‘Unipolar’ World.

Question 5.
What was ‘Second World’?
Answer:
After the Second World War, the East European Countries that the Soviet army had liberated from the Fascist forces came under the control of U.S.S.R. These countries were called ‘Second World’ or the ‘Socialist bloc’. U.S.S.R. was the leader of the Second World.

Question 6.
Briefly explain the emergence of Balkan States after the end of the Cold War.
Answer:
The Balkans are sometimes referred to as the ‘Balkan Peninsula’ as they are adjoined by water on three sides. The end of the Cold War has seen the re-emergence of nationalism particularly in the Western parts of the Balkan Peninsula.

 

Mineral and Energy Class 12 Important Extra Questions Geography Chapter 7

Here we are providing Class 12 Geography Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 7 Mineral and Energy. Geography Class 12 Important Questions are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 7 Important Extra Questions Mineral and Energy

Mineral and Energy Resources Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What was the total value of minerals mined in 2012 ?
Answer:
₹ 2.3 crore

Question 2.
What are the total Coal reserves in India in 2012 ?
Answer:
285.38 billion tonnes.

Question 3.
Name two groups of coal Helds.
Answer:
Gondwana and Tertiary.

Question 4.
Where is Mumbai High located ?
Answer:
176 km away from Mumbai in Arabian Sea.

Question 5.
What is the total production of Petroleum in India ?
Answer:
320 lakh tonnes.

Question 6.
Which is the largest Oil refinery in India ?
Answer:
Jamnagar (Gujarat).

Question 7.
What is the total production of Iron ore in India in 2013-13 ?
Answer:
136 million tonnes.

Question 8.
Where was the first Atomic station set up in India ?
Answer:
In 1969 at Tarapur near Mumbai.

Question 9.
Name two sources of non-conventional energy.
Answer:
Biomass and Solar energy.

Question 10.
Name three mineral belts of India.
Answer:
N.E. plateau, S.W. plateau and N.W. Region.

Question 11.
Which state is the largest producer of Coal in India ?
Answer:
Jharkhand.

Question 12.
Which is the largest oil producing area in India ?
Answer:
Mumbai High.

Question 13.
Where was first Electric power house set up ?
Answer:
In 1897 in Darjeeling.

Question 14.
Name any two ferrous (C.B.S.E. 2011)
Answer:
Manganese, Nickle.

Question 15.
What are sustainable energy resources ?
Answer:
Renewable energy resources like Solar energy, Wind, Hydro, geothermal and Bio mass.

Question 16.
Give two advantages of wind energy. Mention four states of India having favourable conditions for the development of wind-energy. (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
(i) Wind energy is pollution free.
(ii) It is an inexhaustible source of energy. Favourable conditions for wind energy are found in states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Question 17.
Explain any three social and economic values which encourage us to use more and more non-conventional sources of energy. (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
(i) Planned and judicious use of natural resources.
(ii) Conservation of environment.
(iii) Harmony with nature.
(iv) Sustainable development.

Question 18.
When and where the first successful attempt to tap the underground heat was made?
Answer:
In 1890 in city of Boise, Idaho (USA)

Mineral and Energy Resources Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
“The non conventional sources of energy will provide more sustained, eco-friendly and cheaper energy, if the initial cost is taken care of.” Examine the statement. (CBSE 2018)
Answer:
Today non conventional sources of energy include wind, tides, geo-thermal heat, biogas, farm and animal waste including human excreta. All these sources are renewable and inexhaustible. They are inexpensive in nature. These are pollution free. These help in decentralisation of industries. Energy can be developed in rural area. These can be developed and maintained at low costs.

Due to acute shortage of conventional sources of energy, it has become necessary to explore the possibilities of using non-conventional sources of energy. These resources are more equitably distributed and environmental-friendly. These will provide more sustainable, eco-friendly and cheaper energies.

Question 2.
What is meant by ‘Mumbai High’ and ‘Sagar Samrat’ ?
Answer:
Mumbai High. Rich oil fields have been discovered in offshore region in gulf of Cambay, along the coast of Mumbai. Oil struck below the sea beds at a distance of 115 kms. from the shore on 19th February, 1974. The drilling was done with the help of Sagar Samrat (A drilling platform). This has become the richest oil field in India and is known as ‘Mumbai High’. It has been connected with the coast by a sub-marine pipeline.

Question 3.
Name the different Nuclear power stations in India.
Answer:
Uranium and Thorium are used as raw materials for generating atomic power. These minerals are found in Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Atomic Energy Commission was established in 1947 in India. There are four atomic power stations in India.

  • Tarapur (Maharashtra)
  • Rana Pratap Sagar (Kota)
  • Kalpakkam (Chennai)
  • Narora (Uttar Pradesh).

Two atomic stations at Kakarpara (Gujarat) and Kaiga (Karnataka) are at planning stage.

Question 4.
What is bio-energy ? State four advantages of bio-energy. (C.B.S.E. 2013
Answer:
Bio-energy refers to energy derived from biological products which includes agricultural residues, along with municipal, industrial and other works,

Advantages:
(i) It is a potential source of energy conversion.
(ii) It can be converted into electrial energy, heat energy or gas for cooking.
(iii) It can process waste to produce energy.
(iv) It reduces environmental pollution.

Question 5.
Give two advantages of copper. Mention four main copper mining areas of India. (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
Copper is an indispensable metal in the electrical industry for making wires, electrical motors, transformers and generators. It is also mixed with gold to provide strength to jewellery. Copper deposits are found in:

  • Singhbhum district in Jharkhand
  • Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh
  • Jhunjhuna in Rajasthan
  • Alwar in Rajasthan

Question 6.
Describe the regions producing Natural gas in India. Describe H.B.J. pipeline.
Answer:
Natural gas has emerged as a dynamic source of energy. The total production of Natural gas is 40.674 billion cubic metres in India (2012). Cambay basin, Kaveri coast, Jaisalmer and Mumbai High are the main producers of Natural gas. H.B.J. gas pipeline has been constructed for transporting gas running between Hazira, Bijapur and Jagdishpur.

It is 1700 km. long and runs through the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. This pipeline will supply gas to Bijapur, Sawai Madhopur, Jagdishpur, Shahjahanpur, Amla, Babrala fertiliser plants.
In India, Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL), Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPC) are exploring and managing gas resources.

Question 7.
Describe the ‘Iron ore belt of India’.
Answer:
The total reserves of iron ore in the country were about 28.52 billion tonnes in the year 2012. About 95 per cent of total reserves of iron ore is located in the States of Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. (1) In Odisha, iron ore occurs in a series of hill ranges in Sundergarh, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar. The important mines are Gurumahisani, Sulaipet, Badampahar (Mayurbhanj), Kiruburu (Kendujhar) and Bonai (Sundergarh).

(2) Similar hill ranges such as Jharkhand have some of the oldest iron ore mines and most of the iron and steel plants are located around them. Most of the important mines such as Noamandi and Gua are located in Poorbi and Pashchimi Singhbhum districts.

(3) This belt further extends to Durg, Dantewara and Bailadila. Dalli, and Rajhara in Durg are the important mines of iron ore in the country.

(4) In Karnataka, iron ore deposits occur in Sandur-Hospet area of Bellary district, Baba Budan hills and Kudremukh in Chikmangalur district and parts of Shimoga, Chitradurg and Tumkur districts.

(5) The districts of Chandrapur, Bhandara and Ratnagiri in Maharashtra.

(6) Karimnagar, Warangal, Kurnool, Cuddapah and Anantapur districts of Andhra Pradesh.

(7) Salem and Nilgiris districts of Tamil Nadu are other iron mining regions.

(8) Goa has also emerged as an important producer of iron ore.

Question 8.
Distinguish between Ferrous and Non- ferrous minerals.
Answer:

Ferrous Minerals Non-Ferrous Minerals
1. The metallic minerals which contain iron content are called ferrous minerals (Fe).

2. Iron, Manganese. Chromite, Cobalt, etc., are ferrous minerals.

3. These are used in Iron and Steel industry. Some minerals are used as alloys in making different types of steel.

1. The minerals which do not contain iron (ferrous) content are called non- ferrous minerals.

2. Copper. Lead, Zinc. Aluminium are non- ferrous minerals.

3. Each mineral has its particular utility. Some minerals are valuable according to their uses.

Question 9.
Distinguish between Metallic and Non- metallic minerals
Or
Classify minerals on the basis of chemical and physical properties. (C.B.S.E. Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:

Metallic Minerals Non-Metallic Minerals
1. Metallic minerals are those minerals which can be melted to obtain new products.

2. Iron, Copper, Bauxite, Tin, Manganese are some examples.

3. These are generally associated with Sedi­mentary and Igneous rocks.

4. These can be reused after melting.

1. Non-metallic minerals are those which do not yield new products on melting.

2. Coal, Salt, Clay. Marble are some examples.

3. These are generally associated with rocks.

4. These cannot be used after melting.

Question 10.
Distinguish between Rock and Mineral ore.
Answer:

Rock Mineral Ore
1.  A rock is a natural solid material forming the earth crust.

2. A rock is an aggregate of minerals such as granite, marble, etc.

3. A rock does not have a definite chemical com­position.

4. Rocks are mainly of three types—Igneous, Sedimentary  and Metamorphic.

1.A mineral is, a natural inorganic compound found in the rocks.

2. Some rocks contain only one mineral and are called mineral ores such as iron ore.

3. It has definite chemi­cal composition.

4. There are about 2000 types of minerals.

Mineral and Energy Resources Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Describe the production and distribution of Iron ore in India.
Answer:
Iron Ore. Iron is the most useful of all metals. It has strength, hardness and magnetic properties. Iron has become the basis of modern industrialisations. It has revolutionised modern means of land, air, and water transportation. India is rich both in quality and quantity of iron ore deposits. India ranks seventh in the world with 5% production of iron ore. The iron ore deposits mainly consist of hematite and magnetite deposits with an iron content of 60 to 70%.

Production and reserves: India has iron ore reserves (about 7% of the world) about 28.82 million tonnes. Most of these deposits are in Jharkhand and Odisha state. These deposits are the world’s richest and largest deposits.

Distribution of Iron Deposits: Jharkhand and Odisha produce about 75% of total production of iron ore in India. This is called ‘iron ore belt of India’. Major steel plants of India are located in this region.

  • Jharkhand: Noamandi and Gua mines in Singhbhum district and Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand state.
  • Odisha: Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bonai districts.
  • Chhattisgarh: Dhali-Rajhara hills (Durg) and Bailadila (Bastar) in Chhattisgarh state.
  • Tamil Nadu: Salem and Madurai.
  • Other areas: Baba Budan Hills and Kudremukh in Karnataka, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, Lohara, Ratnagiri and Pipalgaon in Maharashtra,

Salem and Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu and Goa.India exports iron ore to Japan and some other countries. The total value of iron ore exports in 2011¬12 was ₹ 33911.7 crores. The port of Mormugao, Vishakhapatnam, Paradip and Mangalore handle these exports.

Question 2.
Describe the production and distribution of coal in India.
Answer:
COAL. Coal is the prime source of energy. It is often called the ‘Mother of Industries’ or ‘Black gold’. It has been the basis of the Industrial Revolution. Coal is used as a raw material in iron and steel, chemical industries. Coal is the main source to produce thermal power.

India ranks seventh in the world as regards of the coal reserves. The total proven coal reserves are nearly 2,93,496.5 million tonnes. These reserves will not last long. The major states known for coal reserves are Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 7 Mineral and Energy Resources 1
Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 7 Mineral and Energy Resources 2

Production. Coal production started in 1774 in Raniganj coal field (West Bengal). After independence, production of coal increased 6 times.
The per capita consumption of coal has increased from 135 kg to nearly 400 kg.

Distribution. India has two types of coal fields:
(a) Gondwana coal fields (98%)
(b) Tertiary coal fields (2%)

(a) Gondwana coal fields. These belong to the period of Gondwana age. Nearly 3/4th of coal deposits are found in Damodar valley (Damuda series). Godavari, Mahanadi, Son and Wardha valley also have coal deposits.

(i) West Bengal. West Bengal has the oldest coal field of India at Raniganj. It covers an area of 1267 sq. km and the total reserves is 30616 million tonnes.

(ii) Bihar and Jharkhand State. This region produces 50% coal of India. The major coal fields of Jharia, Bokaro, Karanpura, Daltonganj are found in

Damodar valley. Coking coal from this coal-field is supplied to steel centres of Jamshedpur, Asansol, Durgapur production of coal increased 6 times.

The per capita consumption of coal has increased from 135 kg to nearly 400 kg.
Distribution. India has two types of coal fields:
(a) Gondwana coal fields (98%)
(b) Tertiary coal fields (2%)

(a) Gondwana coal fields. These belong to the period of Gondwana age. Nearly 3/4th of coal deposits are found in Damodar valley (Damuda series). Godavari, Mahanadi, Son and Wardha valley also have coal deposits.
(i) West Bengal. West Bengal has the oldest coal field of India at Raniganj. It covers an area of 1267 sq. km and the total reserves is 30616 million tonnes.

(ii) Bihar and Jharkhand State. This region produces 50% coal of India. The major coal fields of Jharia, Bokaro, Karanpura, Daltonganj are found in

Damodar valley. Coking coal from this coal-field is supplied to steel centres of Jamshedpur, Asansol, Durgapur and Bokaro. Bihar contributes only 160 million tonnes, where as Jharkhand contributes 80356 million tonnes of coal to india (2012).

(iii) Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh has Son valley, coal-fields of Suhagpur, Korba, (Chhattisgarh), Rampur, Tatapani, Singrauli. Total reserves in 24376 million tonnes.

(iv) Other areas. Singareni in Andhra (22154.8 m.t.) Talchar in Mahanadi valley, Chanda-Wardha coal¬fields of Maharashtra (10882 m.t.).

(b) Tertiary coal Helds. This includes lignite deposits called brown coal of low quality. These include Neyveli deposits (3300 million tonnes) in Tamil Nadu, producing 600 MW of thermal power. Other areas are Makum (Assam) producing 510.5 million tonnes, Bikaner (Rajasthan), Garo Khasi Hills (576.5 m.t.), Riasi in Jammu and Kashmir
Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 7 Mineral and Energy Resources 3
Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 7 Mineral and Energy Resources 4

Question 3.
Describe the production and potential areas of production of Petroleum in India.
Or
Why is petroleum referred to as liquid gold? State two important uses of petroleum and name two oil fields each in Assam and Gujarat.
Ans.
Petroleum. Petroleum is the most important source of power in the present age. Many by-products such as kerosene, fuel, lubricating oils, grease, coke and asphalt are obtained from petroleum. Petrochemical products have become very useful. Petroleum is used in agriculture, industry, transport, paints, perfumes, cosmetics, etc.

It is the source of foreign exchange for many oil exporting countries. So it is rightly called the ‘liquid gold’.
Production. In about 10 lakh sq. km. oil bearing rocks are found in India. The oil reserves in India are estimated to be 759.6 million tonnes. The first oil field in India was discovered in 1867 at Makum in Assam. At present, the

production is as under:

  • Assam. In Assam, oil is produced in Digboi, Moran, Naharkatiya and Sibsagar regions. It contributes 22.71% of total reserves.
  • Gujarat. In Gujarat, oil is produced in Gulf of Cambay region at Kalol, Ankleshwar, Lunej, etc.
  • Maharashtra. Oil has struck in the off-shore region at Mumbai High along the coast of Mumbai. It is the leading producer of crude oil in India. North Bassien and South Bassien are the important oil fields.

The production of oil in India is increasing everywhere under the organization of Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC). The production of oil in India rose from 37.862 million metric tonnes in 2012. India meets about 40% of our demands by home production. We import crude oil from foreign countries and other petroleum products also. There are at present 17 oil refineries in India. These refineries are expanded to meet the increasing requirements of the country. It will help in saving a large amount of foreign exchange.
Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 7 Mineral and Energy Resources 5
Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 7 Mineral and Energy Resources 6

Oil-Refineries. There are already 17 refineries in the country. These refineries include
(i) Barauni (Bihar)
(ii) Mumbai (Maharashtra)
(iii) Kochi (Kerala)
(iv) Digboi (Assam)
(v) Guwahati (Assam)
(vi) Haldia (West Bengal)
(vii) Vishkhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
(viii) Koyali (Gujarat)
(ix) Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
(x) Mathura (U.P.)
(xi) Panipat (Haryana)
(xii) Bongaigaon and Numaligarh (Assam)
(xiii) Jamnagar (Gujarat)
(xiv) Mangalore (Karnataka)
(xv) Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu)
(xvi) Bina (Madhya Pradesh)
(xvii) Bhatinda (Punjab).
These refineries also supply cooking gas or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (L.P.G.) as domestic fuel. It has succeeded in reducing demand on our shrinking forests.

Natural Gas. Natural gas is obtained from the oil fields. It is a prime source of energy for cooking in domestic field. It is called L.P.G. and is supplied through pipelines. Reserves of Natural gas are located in Tripura, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha .

The production is about 40.8 billion cubic metres. A gas pipeline, from Hazira, (Gujarat) Bijapur to Jagdishpur (U.P.)-1700 km long has been constructed to produce fertilisers at different plants at Bijapur, Sawai Madhopur, Jagdishpur, Shahjahanpur, Anwala and Barbala.

Question 4.
Describe the development of Nuclear energy in India.
Answer:
Nuclear Energy. Nuclear energy is generated by splitting atomic minerals. The process is called atomic fission. Uranium, Monazite, Thorium, Placer deposits, Cheralite, Graphite and Zirconium are used for generation of nuclear power of atomic energy. India is rich in these minerals.

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has been set up at Trombay (Maharashtra) for research in Nuclear Science. The first underground Nuclear Test was conducted on May 18,1974 at Pokhran (Rajasthan). Recently five underground Nuclear Tests were conducted at Pokhran, on 11th May, 1998. Thus, India became a nuclear power country.

Uranium and Thorium are used as raw materials for generating atomic power. These minerals are found in Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Atomic Energy Commission was established in 1947 in India. There are 7 atomic power stations in India with an installed capacity of 5780 million KW:

  • Tarapur (Maharashtra).
  • Rana Pratap Sagar or Rawat Bhata (Kota, Rajasthan).
  • Kalpakkam (Chennai, Tamil Nadu).
  • Narora near Bulandshahar (Uttar Pradesh).
  • Kaiga (Karnataka)
  • Kakrapar (Gujarat)
  • Kundankulam (Tamil Nadu)

Two atomic power stations at Kakarpara (Gujarat) and Kaiga (Karnataka) are at planning stage.

Nuclear Energy-Hope of the Future. The use of atomic energy is increasing in the field of medicine and agriculture. It is being used to improve the quality of seeds. It can be used for exploring the mineral wealth of India. Atomic energy is being used in India for many peaceful purposes like development of man-made lakes, diversion of rivers, and use in medical science. India is rich in atomic minerals like Uranium and Thorium.

Therefore, this energy can be generated easily and will last for a long period. There is shortage of coal, petroleum and water power in India. In such areas, Nuclear Energy plays a complementary role in the development of Industries. Conventional sources of energy will not last long. Nuclear power should be used to save the resources. These power stations though expensive can be easily set up. We can say ‘Nuclear energy is the hope of the future in India.’

Question 5.
Write a note on the development of non-conventional sources of energy in India.
Or
Explain the importance of five non. conventinal sources of energy with suitable examples. (CJS.S.E Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Non-Conventional Sources of Energy. Today non-conventional sources of energy include wind, tides, geo-thermal heat, bio-gas, farm and animal waste including human excreta. All these sources are renewable or inexhaustible. They are inexpensive and pollution free. These help in decentralisation of Industries. Energy can be developed in rural areas and maintained at low costs.

Due to acute shortage of conventional sources of energy, it has become necessary to explore the possibilities of using non-conventional sources of energy. A Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES) has been created in 1992 for this purpose. Its achievements so far are as under:

S.No. Source Potential Achievement
1. Wind-power 49130 MW 2980 MW
2. Biomass power 17538 MW 1693 MW
3. Solar power 20 MW/ Sq. km. 941.24 MW
4. Power from urban wastes 1700 MW 4.75 MW
5. Water Heating systems  ……………. 4,20.000
6. Solar Cookers  ……………. 4,57.000
7. Biogas plants 12 million 2.5 million
8. Improved Chullahas 120 million 23.7 million

Wind energy. It can be used for pumping water, irrigating farms and generating electricity. The states of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Odisha are better placed in regard to this energy. Wind mills are established in areas of high speed winds. India has a potential of 49130 MW of

power generation. The first wind farm was set up at Mandavi (Gujarat) in 1986. The Turbines of wind mills are rotated with the force of wind velocity. At present wind farms of capacity of 970 MW have been installed. India is the third country in the world to develop wind power on a large scale. There are about 3000 wind mills installed in various states in India.

2. Tidal energy. The Gulfs of Kachchh and Cambay are ideally suited to develop electricity from the energy produced by high tides entering into narrow creeks. A 900 MW tidal power station is being set up in Gulf of Kachchh. It is an inexhaustible and inexpensive source of energy.

3. Geo-thermal energy. Efforts are on to utilise natural energy of the hot springs at Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh, Puga, Parvati valley, Tattapani are other sites. Hot water is converted into steam to drive the turbines. Hot springs are used for heating purposes. India has a potential of 10600 MW of power from it.

4. Energy from urban waste. Sewage in cities is used for generating gas and electricity. Various wastes are treated such as sewage waste, vegetable waste, waste from leather, sugar, paper industries. A 4 MW energy plant at Delhi, 2.76 MW energy plant using husk in Andhra, 1MW plant at Faizabad Distillery, have been established. About 145 million tonnes of agricultural waste can generate 14000 MW power. Energy from plantations and bagasse is also developed.

5. Bio-gas based power plants. Bagasse, farm wastes, rice husk are being used to produce electricity. The National Project on Biogas was set up in 1981-82. It provides a clean and cheap source of energy in rural areas. Upto now 25 lakh Biogas plants have been installed, saving 75 lakh tonnes of fuel wood per year valued at ? 375 crore. Besides these plants generate 360 lakh tonpes of enriched manure. Smokeless chullahas (28 million) remove smoke, pollution and check deforestation and save 115 lakh tonnes of fuel wood.

6. Farm animal and human wastes (Urja Gram). By using biomass, animal, poultry wastes and human excreta, gobar gas plants are being set up in villages. The power so produced is used for cooking, lighting homes and streets and meeting irrigation needs of the village. A pilot plant (4 MW) has been set up in Delhi for the conversion of urban waste into energy.

7. Solar Energy. It is the most abundant, cheapest and inexhaustible source of energy produced from sunlight. Solar cookers are used in cooking food. Solar power is being used for cooking, water heating, water desalination, space heating, crop drying. Solar energy is used for solar lanterns, street lights, railway signals, traffic signals (as in Delhi), rural telephones, TV, radios, etc. In remote areas of Coimbatore, two projects of 25 KW provide energy. The Sagar island in West Bengal is completely solarised.

Solar cells convert the solar energy to electricity. Solar energy is the future energy in India because India receives abundant sunshine almost throughout the year to develop it.

Question 6.
Describe the distribution of mineral belts of India.
Answer:
The following three major mineral belts can be demarcated within the peninsular plateaus.
1. The North-Eastern Plateaus. It encompasses the Chotanagpur plateau, Odisha plateau and eastern Andhra Plateau.

This belt contains rich deposits of a variety of minerals used in metallurgical industries. Among them, reserves of iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite, limestone and dolomite are large and widely distributed. This region also has copper, thorium, uranium, chromium, sillimanite and phosphate.

Along with them, coal deposits of the Damodar valley and Chhattisgarh which have facilitated the development of heavy industries are within this belt. Majority of the integrated iron and steel plants are located in this belt. Aluminium plants are also located here.

2. South-Western Plateaus. This belt extends over the Karnataka plateau and adjoining Tamil Nadu plateau and is rich in metallic minerals, particularly in iron ore, manganese and bauxite and in some non- metallic minerals. But the lack of power resource particularly coal has been an obstacle in the way of the development of heavy industries in this region. All the three gold fields of the country are located in this belt.

3. North-Western Region. This belt extends from the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat to the Aravalli range in Rajasthan. Petroleum and Natural gas are principal resources of this belt. Deposits of other minerals are small and scattered. However, it is known for reserves and production of several non-ferrous metals particularly copper, silver, lead and zinc.

4. Other Regions. Outside of these mineral belts, Upper Brahmaputra valley is a significant petroleum producing area. Kerala possesses enormous concentration of heavy mineral sands. Mineral deposits are also found in other parts of the country but they are scattered and reserves are inconsistent.

Mineral and Energy Resources Important Extra Questions HOTS

Question 1.
Why is the conservation of minerals necessary ? Explain any two methods of conserving minerals. (C.B.S.E. 2011)
Answer:
Minerals are a valuable natural resource. Minerals are exhaustible and limited resources. These are non-renewable resources. Once these are used, these are gone forever. Conservation of minerals means a careful and rational utilization so that these can also be used for future generation.

For conservation of minerals, their substitutes should be used such as Aluminium is used in place of copper. Scientific methods of mining should be used to avoid wastage of minerals.

Question 2.
Give two advantages of I manganese. Mention four main I manganese producing states of India. (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
Manganese is an important raw material for smelting of iron ore. It is also used for the manufacturing of ferro-alloys.
Production:

  • Odisha is the leading producer of manganese.
  • Karnataka is also major producer of manganese.
  • Maharashtra
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Madhya Pradesh

 

Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement Class 12 Important Extra Questions History Chapter 13

Here we are providing Class 12 History Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 13 Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement: Civil Disobedience and Beyond. Class 12 History Important Questions are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

Class 12 History Chapter 13 Important Extra Questions Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement: Civil Disobedience and Beyond Movement

Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
When and from where Mahatma Gandhi came back to India?
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi came back to India from South Africa in 1915 A.D.

Question 2.
When was the Swadeshi movement started in India and who started it?
Answer:
During 1905-1907 by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal.

Question 3.
Who was the political mentor of Mahatma Gandhi?
Answer:
Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

Question 4.
Where was Mahatma Gandhi’s first public appearance when he came back from South Africa?
Answer:
At the opening of the Banaras Hindu University in Feb. 1916.

Question 5.
Which three movements Gandhi started before joining active politics?
Answer:
Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad.

Question 6.
Which Satyagraha Gandhi announced after the passing of the Rowlatt Act?
Answer:
Rowlett Satyagraha.

Question 7.
When was Non-Cooperation started?
Answer:
In January 1921.

Question 8.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi withdraw Non-Cooperation movement?
Answer:
Due to violence occurred at Chauri Chaura in U.P.

Question 9.
When and why was Mahatma Gandhi arrested after the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation movement?
Answer:
In March 1922 on the charges of sedition.

Question 10.
Which symbols Mahatma Gandhi used during the freedom struggle?
Answer:
Dhoti and Charkha.

Question 11.
When and where was the revolution of Poorna Swaraj adopted?
Answer:
At Lahore session of Congress in 1929 A.D.

Question 12.
When was Dandi March started?
Answer:
On 12th March 1930.

Question 13.
When was the Quit India movement launched?
Answer:
In August 1942 A.D.

Question 14.
Distinguish between the policies of moderates and Assertive Nationalists.
Answer:
The moderates were peace-loving who preferred a gradual and persuasive approach towards the British. On the other hand, the assertive nationalists advocated strong opposition to the British Rule in India and wanted to oust the foreign rule by all means.

Question 15.
On what two things did the Satyagraha emphasize?
Answer:

  1. Belief in the power of truth.
  2. Search for truth and non-violent protest.

Question 16.
At which three places Gandhiji initiated his Satyagraha after his return from South Africa? When were these movements launched?
Answer:

  1. In the Champaran region of Bihar (1916)
  2. In Kheda District of Gujarat (1917)
  3. In Ahmedabad of Gujarat (1918).

Question 17.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi want to adopt the policy of Non-Cooperation against the British in India?
Answer:
Gandhiji believed that the British rule in India depended on the cooperation of the local people. He felt that the foreign rule still existed due to the cooperation of a few natives. Mahatma Gandhi launched the policy of Non-Cooperation so that he may end the foreign rule and introduce self-rule.

Question 18.
When and where was the Policy of Non-Cooperation approved?
Answer:
The Indian National Congress approved the program of Non-Cooperation in 1920 at its Nagpur Session.

Question 19.
Name any two moderate leaders. How were they associated with Gandhiji?
Answer:
Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Mohammad Ali Jinnah were two prominent moderate leaders. Gopal Krishna Gokhale was the acknowledged political mentor of Gandhiji and Mohammad Ali Jinnah and was a lawyer, like Gandhiji, in Gujarat.

Question 20.
Which events marked out Gandhiji as a nationalist and a true national leader?
Answer:

  1. His initiatives at Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda marked him out as a nationalist who had great sympathy for the poor.
  2. Rowlatt Satyagraha made him a true national leader.

Question 21.
Write the importance of the Non¬Cooperation movement from two aspects.
Answer:

  1. This movement was training for self-rule.
  2. For the first time, since 1857, the foundation of British rule was shaken.

Question 22.
When and where was ‘Poorna Swaraj’ formally proclaimed?
Answer:
The demand for Poorna Swaraj was formally proclaimed by Indian National Congress at its Lahore Session in December 1929. This session was presided over by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.

Question 23.
What important decision was taken about ‘Poorna Swaraj’ in the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress held in December 1929?
Answer:
In the session of the Indian National Congress held in December 1929 at Lahore, it was decided to celebrate 26 January 1930 as Independence Day. On that day, all the people were to take an oath for the complete independence of the country.

Question 24.
With which motive had Gandhiji started his Sabarmati Ashram?
Answer:
Gandhiji established his Sabarmati Ashram in 1916. He wanted to teach his pupils the path of truth and non-violence. He also taught them to behave in a truthful and non-violent manner and practiced his ideology of truth and non-violence in this Ashram.

Question 25.
Why and when did the Simon Commission come to India?
Answer:
The Simon Commission visited India in 1928 to enquire about the conditions that prevailed in India.

Question 26.
Why was the Simon Commission opposed?
Answer:
The Simon Commission was opposed as it had all members from the white community and had no members from India which was quite insulting to the Indians. So, all the people of India opposed the Simon Commission.

Question 27.
What steps were taken by the government to control the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer:

  1. The government put all the important leaders behind the bars. They included Sardar Patel, Dr. Rajinder Prasad, and Subhash Chander Bose.
  2. The Indian National Congress was declared as an illegal organization.

Question 28.
What do you mean by Movement for Praja Mandals?
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi wanted to broaden the basis of nationalism in India. So Indian National Congress started a series of Praja Mandals. It promoted the nationalist movement in the princely states and led nationalism to the farthest corners of the country.

Question 29.
When did the communal politics start?
Answer:
The communal politics started in 1906 C.E. when the Muslim League was established. The British adopted the policy of Divide and Rule to increase the hatred between the Hindus and the Muslims.

Question 30.
Name any four leaders who associated themselves with Gandhiji between 1917 and 1922.
Answer:

  1. Sarojini Naidu
  2. Vallabh Bhai Patel
  3. Jawaharlal Nehru
  4. Subhash Chandra Bose

Question 31.
What was the attitude of the Indian National Congress towards the Second World War?
Answer:
The Indian National Congress was critical of both Hitler and the Nazis. So it decided to help the British Government during the Second World War on the condition that India would be granted freedom after the end of this war. When the British government refused this demand, all the Congress ministers resigned.

Question 32.
What did Gandhiji seek to obtain for the security of the peasants of Champaran in 1917? C.B.S.E. 2011 (D))
Answer:
Gandhiji went on a fast to provide security to peasants of Champaran in 1917. As a result, peasants got the freedom to grow crops of their choice.

Question 33.
Why was Salt March notable? Mention two reasons. (C.B.S.E. 2011 (O.D.))
Answer:
Salt March was notable because of the given below reasons:

  1. It was this event that first brought Mahatma Gandhi to world attention. March was widely covered by the European and American press.
  2. It was the first nationalist activity in which women participated in large numbers.

Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What was the significance of the campaigns initiated by Gandhiji in Champaran, Ahmedabad and Kheda?
Answer:
In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi spent most of his time in Champaran. He sought the security of tenure for the peasants. He also wanted that the peasants should be free to cultivate the crops of their choice.

1. In 1918, Mahatma Gandhi went to Ahmedabad. He intervened in a labor dispute and demanded better working conditions for the workers of the textile mills.

2. In 1918, Mahatma Gandhi was again involved in another campaign at Kheda in Gujarat. He supported the cause of peasants and sought the remission of taxes from the state as the harvest of crops had failed.

Thus, Gandhiji carried out various campaigns in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda. These campaigns had made him a true nationalist. They also showed the sympathetic attitude of Gandhiji toward the poor.

Question 2.
What methods were adopted to oppose the British rule during the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer:
The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. It had a definite program for the people to follow. It included the following methods to oppose British rule:

  1. The students were asked not to attend their schools and colleges.
  2. The lawyers were asked not to attend law-courts.
  3. The ordinary people were asked to renounce voluntary association with the British Government.
  4. There were strikes by the working class in many towns and cities. There were 396 strikes in different cities in 1921. It involved six lakh workers which caused a loss of seven million workdays.
  5. The Hill-tribes in the Northern part of Andhra Pradesh violated the forest laws.
  6. The farmers did not pay taxes in Awadh. They refused to carry loads for colonial officials in Kumaun.

Though the aforesaid methods were laid down for all the protestors, yet, many of them adopted the methods which better suited their interests.

Question 3.
Find out similarities between Salt Satyagraha (Civil Disobedience Movement) and Non-Cooperation Movement. Give any five points.
Answer:
The similarities between the Civil Disobedience Movement and Non-Cooperation movement were as follows:

  1. In both the movements, the peasants had participated whole-heartedly. Most of the peasants hated the colonial forest laws as they and their cattle could not enter the forest.
  2. At many places, the factory workers went on strike.
  3. The lawyers boycotted the British courts.
  4. The students did not attend their classes in the government-run educational institutions.
  5. All the ordinary people participated in both of these movements in one way or the other. They in their own way expressed their discontent with the British rule.
  6. Many people even left their government jobs and joined the freedom struggle.
  7. Some people even refused to pay the taxes.

Question 4.
The Salt March of Gandhiji was notable for at least three reasons. What were they?
Answer:
The Salt March (Dandi March) of Gandhiji was notable because of the following three reasons:

  1. By leading the Salt March. Mahatma Gandhi became very popular in the world. He got world attention as his march was widely covered by the European and American Press.
  2. This Salt March was the first nationalist activity in which women had participated enthusiastically. They joined the march in large numbers. In fact, Gandhiji had allowed the women to participate in his Dandi March on the persuasion of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, a socialist activist.
  3. The Salt March made the British realize for the first time that their rule in India would not last forever. They had understood that they would have to decentralize their power by involving Indians in the administration.

Question 5.
Describe the events that led to the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Answer:
Gandhiji started the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920 because of the following reasons:

1. Rowlatt Act: After the First World War, the Rowlatt Act was passed in 1919. In accordance with this law, the government could imprison anyone without a trial. Gandhiji was not content with this Act and launched the Non-Cooperation Movement.

2. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: A meeting was held in Jallianwala Bagh at Amritsar to protest against the Rowlatt Act. General Dyer appeared on the scene and started shooting bullets on the gathered people. Gandhiji was moved at this bloody climax of the meeting in which more than four hundred people were killed and therefore started the Non-Cooperation Movement against the British rule.

3. Khilafat Movement: The Sultan of Turkey was known as the Caliph of all the Muslims. But the British had snatched his empire. The Indian Muslims could not bear this insult and joined hands with Gandhiji and started Non-Cooperation Movement.

Question 6.
When was Civil Disobedience Movement launched? What were its reasons?
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi started his Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930 because of the following reasons:

1. Arrival of the Simon Commission: In 1928, the Simon Commission visited India under the leadership of Sir John Simon. All the members of this Commission were English men. No member from India was included in this Commission. So the Indians opposed it everywhere. They raised the slogans “Simon: Go Back.” Even then, this commission published its report. So, Gandhiji was compelled to start the Civil Disobedience Movement.

2. Nehru Report: In August 1928, Nehru Committee submitted its report highlighting the demands of the Indian British Government refused to accept this report. Feeling depressed, Gandhiji started the Civil Disobedience Movement.

3. Atrocities on Revolutionaries: The British Government had hanged Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru, and Sukhdev till death. It generated discontentment among the Indians.

4. Impact of the Bardoli Movement: A peasant Satyagraha was organized at Bardoli under the leadership of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. The success of these peasants had emboldened Gandhiji to start Civil Disobedience Movement.

Question 7.
What do you mean by Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer:
The Non-Cooperation Movement was started by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. It was against the British Government. It meant not to have any association with the British Government. The Declaration for this movement was made by Congress at its Nagpur Session. Gandhiji made an appeal to the people not to cooperate with the British Government in any way. He also chalked out its detailed program. Under this movement, many people gave up their jobs and titles. The students stopped going to their classes in the government educational institutions.

The foreign goods were also discarded. The people started using goods manufactured in their own country. It was necessary for all the participants in this movement to adhere to truth and non-violence. It was carried out very effectively and made the people aware of the misdeeds of the colonial rulers. According to Louis Fischer, “Non-Cooperation became the name of an epoch in the life of India and of Gandhiji. Non-Cooperation was negative enough to be peaceful but positive enough to be effective. It entailed denial, renunciation, and self¬discipline. It was training for self-rule.”

Question 8.
What is the importance of the opening ceremony of Banaras Hindu University in the Indian National Movement?
Or
State the significance of Gandhiji’s speech at Benaras Hindu University. (C.B.S.E. 2008 (O.D.))
Or
Explain the ideas expressed by Gandhiji in his address at the time of the opening of Benaras Hindu University in February 1916. Did he put his precepts into practice? Give examples. (C.B.S.E. 2010 (O.D.))
Answer:
The first important public appearance of Gandhiji was at the opening of the Banaras Hindu University in February 1916. Before this, Indian National Movement was confined only to the rich or elite class. But through his speech over here, Gandhiji advocated making a national movement a mass movement. He said that the establishment of Banaras Hindu University was certainly the most gorgeous show. But he showed his worry about the presence of rich bedecked noblemen and the absence of millions of poor Indians.

To these privileged invitees, Gandhiji told that salvation of India is not possible unless they strip themselves of jewelry and keep it in trust for their countrymen in India. He said that there is no meaning of self-rule until laborers or peasants could not be given full profit of their produce. Our salvation is possible only through the farmers. Neither the doctors, lawyers, or the rich landlords can secure it.

Taking percepts into Practice: In the same year, in December, Gandhiji got the chance to bring his precepts into practice. This year, Congress’s annual session was held at Lucknow. Here, one peasant of Champaran told him about the exploitation of Indigo planters by the Britishers. So, most parts of 1917 were spent by Gandhiji in helping the peasants of Champaran.

Next year, Gandhiji remained busy in two campaigns in Gujarat. First of all, he demanded better working conditions for workers of Ahmedabad’s mill. After that, he joined peasants in Kheda in asking the state for the remission of taxes due to the failure of their harvest.

Question 9.
“Gandhiji was as much a social reformer as he was a politician.” Clarify the statement.
Answer:
There is no denying the fact that the Gandhiji was as much a social reformer as he was a politician. As a politician, he transformed Indian National Movement into a broad mass movement. He was arrested in 1922 and was released from jail in February 1924. He then devoted his attention to encourage the homespun cloth (Khadi) and to eradicate untouchability from society.

Gandhiji believed that Indians need to remove social evils like child marriage and untouchability in order to be worthy of freedom. He was of the view that we must prepare an atmosphere of harmony among different religious communities. That is why he stressed on Hindu-Muslim harmony. He also believed that Indians had to learn to become self-reliant on the economic front. That is why he stressed using Khadi instead of cloth imported from overseas.

Question 10.
What was Khilafat Movement? Describe briefly.
Answer:
The British had fought against the Sultan of Turkey in the First World War. They had also sought the cooperation of the Indian Muslims in this war. The Muslims of India had cooperated with the British on the condition that the Sultan of Turkey would be given fair treatment by the British after the war is over. But after the end of the war, the British maltreated the Sultan who was considered as the Caliph (religious leader). So they felt annoyed and started a vehement movement against colonial rule. This movement was known as the Khilafat Movement. The Muslims carried on this movement with the cooperation of Gandhiji.

Question 11.
Why did the Simon Commission visit India? Why was it opposed in India?
Answer:
In 1927, the Government of England appointed a Commission which was headed by Sir John Simon. That is why it was called the Simon Commission. This Commission came to India in 1928 with the objective of examining the results of the reforms of 1919. It was an all-white Commission having no Indian member. So people in India opposed it wherever it went. It was welcomed with black flags. Everywhere slogans like “Simon: Go Back” were raised. But the British Government adopted all repressive measures to crush this peaceful protest.

In Lahore, the protestors were Lathi-charged by the police in which Lala Lajpat Rai was wounded. He suffered a blow of Lathi on his forehead which proved fatal and died a few days afterward. All the political parties of the country severely criticized these repressive measures of the British Government. Gandhi himself did not participate in the protests against the Simon Commission but however, had blessed all the peaceful protestors.

Question 12.
Explain the Civil Disobedience Movement. What was its effect on our struggle for freedom?
Answer:
The Civil Disobedience Movement was started by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. He wanted to oppose colonial rule by breaking the laws framed by it. This movement started with the Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March) organized by Mahatma Gandhi. He began walking on 12 March 1930 from his Sabarmati Ashram. He was accompanied by thousands of people on his way. He reached his destination, that is, Dandi at the sea-coast within twenty-four days. He made a fistful of salt to break the salt laws.

He intentionally made himself a criminal in the eyes of the law. The British Government took all stringent measures to crush this Civil Disobedience Movement. Thousands of patriots were put behind bars all over the country. Gandhiji was arrested but even after his arrest, the Movement went on as before. Therefore, the Civil Disobedience Movement left a deep impact on our national struggle for freedom.

Question 13. Discuss the Quit India Movement.
Or
In what way did Gandhiji’s ‘Quit India Movement’ transform the nature of the national movement? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2013 (O.D.))
Or
“Quit India Movement genuinely a movement bringing into its ambit hundreds of thousands of ordinary Indian.” Analyze the statement. (CBSE2019)
Answer:
When the Cripps Mission had failed, Mahatma Gandhi gave a call for Quit India Movement, his third major movement against British Rule. It started in 1942 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. The Congress had passed a resolution for this movement on 9 August 1942 and challenged the British to Quit India. Soon this movement too became a mass movement. In many districts like Satara and Medinipur, independent governments were proclaimed.

The whole country resonated with the slogans “Englishmen: Quit India”. The British responded with force to crush this movement. Most of the leaders of the Indian National Congress were arrested. It enraged the people who then started plundering government offices, post offices, and railway stations. The government became adamant and put thousands of people behind bars. The whole country was, in fact, turned into a jail. At last, the Quit India Movement shook the foundation of British rule in India.

Question 14.
Discuss the formation and role of the Azad Hind Fauj.
Answer:
The Azad Hind Fauj was organized by Subash Chandra Bose. He had set up this army with the help of Japan and Germany. The objective of this army was to get India freed from the clutches of the British. Subash Chandra Bose had instilled national spirit among all his soldiers. As a result, this army witnessed a few successes at different places in the country. But as Japan and Germany were defeated in the Second World War, this army lost its ground. The British arrested a few prominent leaders of this army and charged them with treason and rebellion. But owing to the pressure of the people, they were released later on.

Question 15.
What were the main recommendations of the Cripps Mission?
Answer:
The Cripps Mission was sent to India by the British Government under the leadership of Sir Stafford Cripps in 1942. It made the following recommendations:

  1. It recommended making India a dominion state after the end of the Second World War.
  2. To frame the Constitution for India, a Constituent Assembly would be established consisting of all elected members.
  3. The provinces which did not agree to the Constitution would retain their present position.
  4. In the new Constitution, there would also be a provision to enable the princely states to participate. However, these states would not be bound by the new Constitution.
  5. After the formation of the Constitution, there would be a treaty between Britain and India to chalk- out a framework for the transfer of political power.
  6. The British also ensured the protection of the minorities in the new system.

Question 16.
Discuss the attitude of the Indian National Congress towards the Second World War. Also, discuss the failure of the Cripps Mission and its consequences.
Answer:
England was losing ground in the Second World War. So it needed cooperation from the people of India. But the people of India were inimical towards the British due to their wrong and harmful policies. They were not willing to extend any cooperation to the British. To resolve this tangle, the British Government had sent the Cripps Mission in 1942 under the leadership of Sir Stafford Cripps.

It put forward its plan before the leaders of different political parties in India. It stated that India would be declared a dominion state if its people extended their cooperation to the British in the Second World War. Gandhiji compared this plan to a post-dated cheque drawn on the bank that was doomed to fail in the coming days. In this way, all the leaders of India rejected the recommendations of the Cripps Mission. Feeling distressed, the Cripps Mission went back.

Question 17.
Discuss the significance of the Quit India Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi.
Answer:
The Quit India Movement was the third major movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942. It was genuinely a mass-movement in which almost all sections of society participated. Strikes and acts of sabotage were organized all over the country. The rebellion against the British was so intense that it took nearly a year to suppress this movement. This movement was very significant as it made the British realize that there was widespread discontent all over the country against their rule. They also came to know that Indian people wanted salvation and freedom from colonial rule. Consequently, they had to free India just after five years from the beginning of this movement.

Question 18.
Write a critical note on the Rowlatt Act.
Answer:
The Rowlatt Act was passed in 1919. It was also called the Black Law passed to crush a national movement. Due to the First World War, the British Government in India faced many hardships. At this time, the spread of the freedom movement against British rule could be detrimental to the colonial interests. So the Government decided to crush the national upsurge for freedom.

Under this Act, the magistrates were empowered to send any revolutionary behind the bars even without trials. Such a law had snatched the freedom of the Indian. The Rowlatt Act was passed on 18 March 1919. This Act also clarified that any evidence given before a policeman would not be valid in the court. So the Rowlatt Act denied the freedom to the IndianThey could be arrested any time. So it was natural for them to oppose this Act with tooth and nail.

Question 19.
Write a note on the resolution on ‘the rights of minorities’ passed by Congress.
Answer:
Congress passed a resolution on ‘the rights of minorities’ which was initiated by Gandhiji and Nehru. Congress never accepted the ‘two-nation theory’. When it had to accept the division of the country against its will; it still believed that “India is a country of many religions and races and must remain so.” Whatever the situation in Pakistan, India would be a “democratic and secular country where all citizens will get full rights and are equally entitled to the protection of the state, irrespective of the religion to which they belong.” Congress also assured that the human rights of the minorities will be protected in every possible manner.

Question 20.
What did Gandhiji do after his release from prison in 1924? (C.B.S.E. 2011 (D))
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi was arrested in 1922 and was released from prison in 1924. Now he devoted his attention to encouraging the homespun cloth (Khadi) and eradicating untouchability from society. He believed that Indians need to remove social evils like child marriage and untouchability in order to be worthy of freedom. He wanted to prepare an atmosphere of harmony among different religious communities. He also believed that Indians had to learn to become self-reliant on the economic front. That is why he emphasized using Khadi instead of cloth imported from overseas.

Question 21.
“Many historians still remain skeptical of oral history.” Examine the statement. (C.B.S.E. 2012 (O.D.))
Answer:
Many historians still remain skeptical of oral history. They dismiss it because oral data at times lacks correctness and the chronology they yield may be imprecise. Historians argue that the uniqueness of personal experience makes generalization difficult. A large picture cannot be built from such micro evidence and one witness is no witness. They also think that oral accounts are related to tangential issues and that the small individual experiences which remain in memory are irrelevant for the unfolding of a larger process of history.

Question 22.
Describe how Gandhiji knitted Non-Cooperation Movement as a popular movement. (C.B.S.E. 2013 (O.D.))
Answer:
To widely spread the program of the Non¬Cooperation Movement, Mahatma Gandhi visited many parts of the country along with the Muslim leaders like Dr. Ansari, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and Ali brothers. As a result, this movement shook the foundations of the British Raj for the first time since the Revolt of 1857. The students did not attend their classes in the educational institutions run by the British Government. The foreign garments were burnt at the crossroads.

Rabindranath Tagore had relinquished his title of ‘Sir’. Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi surrendered his title of ‘Kesri Hind. But in February 1922, a group of peasants attacked a police station and set it on fire at Chauri Chaura, a village in Uttar Pradesh. As several constables were burnt alive in this fire, Gandhiji was shocked at this violent incident and therefore called off his Non-Cooperation Movement.

Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
What were the reasons for the beginning of the Khilafat Movement? What was the contribution of this movement to the freedom struggle of India?
Answer:
Khilafat is associated with the Caliphate who was the religious head of all the Muslims. The Sultan of Turkey was accepted as the head of the Muslim world. After the war, the Indian Muslims were unhappy with the British because they had ill-treated the Sultan of Turkey and even divided the Ottoman Empire and snatched Three, a part of Turkey. This was all contrary to the War Declaration made by Lloyd George, the then British Prime Minister.

He had openly declared that the British had no intention to devoid Turkey of Asia Minor and Three. The main population of these areas was of Turkish origin. The Muslims wanted that the Sultan of Turkey should not be shown a bit of insult in any way. When the white rulers acted contrary to their avowed statements, the Muslims started a severe struggle against the British.

Contribution to National Movement For Independence: The Khilafat Movement had strengthened the national struggle for freedom. Due to the Lucknow Pact of 1916, the unity between the Hindus and the Muslims strengthened. Due to the Khilafat Movement, many other nationalist leaders had plunged into the freedom struggle. It is clear from the following points:

1. A Khilafat committee was constituted to start a nation-wide struggle against British rule.

2. An All India Khilafat Conference was held in Delhi in November 1919. A resolution was passed in the conference which exhorted the British to accept the demands of the Muslims, failing which a struggle against the foreign rule would be launched.

3. The Muslim League supported every movement started by the Indian National Congress.

4. The Congress supported the Khilafat Movement. This action of the Congress strengthened the Hindu-Muslim unity. It also inspired the Muslims for the national struggle to attain freedom from the alien rule.

5. Gandhiji went to the extent of declaring that the issue raised by the Khilafat Movement was much more important than the issue of social reforms initiated by him.

6. Gandhiji expressed his desire to start the Non-Cooperation Movement if the British failed to satisfy the Muslims of India. It enabled Gandhiji to emerge as a great leader of India.

7. The Khilafat Movement accelerated the pace of the national struggle for freedom. Mahatma Gandhi soon started his Non-Cooperation Movement. It was the first step towards the end of British rule in India.

Question 2.
What was the Rowlatt Act? What steps were taken by the British to repress to Satyagraha started by Gandhiji?
Answer:
Rowlatt Act was passed by the British Government in March 1919 in the Central Legislative Council. It was passed to repress the nationalists.

The Rowlatt Act had such provisions that annoyed all the nationalists. It empowered the British Government in the detention of revolutionaries without trial. It was not necessary to present the concerned person in the court. In brief, it was such a law that had no argument, no lawyer, and no appeal. So the nationalists considered it a black law as it was a strong blow on individual liberty.

Satyagraha against Rowlatt Act: Gandhiji, like other nationalist leaders, was shocked to hear about the Rowlatt Act. So he laid down the foundation of a Satyagraha Committee in February 1919. All the members of the committee pledged not to adhere to this Act. They offered their arrests and went to jails. It was a new kind of struggle. Till then, the British had seen movement where big assemblies were held and processions were taken out. In such national movements, the people often refused to cooperate with the government.

There was a boycott of foreign goods and government schools. But Satyagraha gave new but elevated stature to the national movement. It provided all nationalists a chance to show their might to the alien rulers.

In March 1919, there was an unprecedented national upsurge in India. Almost every Indian was filled up with new vigor and strength. There were strikes, bandhs, campaigns, processions, and demonstrations. The slogans of Hindu-Muslim unity also rented the air. The people of India were no longer ready to face humiliation and insult.

Repression of the Satyagraha: The Government wanted to crush the Satyagraha. It lathi-charged the unarmed protestors in Bombay, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Delhi, and a few other cities. The bullets were also hurled at them. So Gandhiji gave a nation-wide call for strike on 6 April 1919. The people followed the directive of Gandhiji with verve and vigor. In Punjab, a large number of people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh at Amritsar on 13 April 1919.

Their intention was to oppose the repressive measures adopted by the British Government. They were also against the Rowlatt Act. But General Dyer reached on the spot with his soldiers who started shooting at the protestors. Hundreds of men, women, and children were killed in this massacre.

Question 3.
Discuss the nature of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Discuss its spread in all parts of the country along with its failures. (C.B.S.E. 2008 (O.D.))
Or
Write an essay on Civil Disobedience Movement started by Mahatma Gandhi.
Or
Examine why did Gandhiji start the Salt Sathyagraha. Why was Salt Satyagraha a rotatable event? (C.B.S.E. 2017 (D.))
Or
The Salt Satyagraha was one of the most successful campaigns in Gandhiji’s non-violent struggle against Britishers.” Analyze the statement. (C.B.S.E. 2019 (D))
Answer:
The Civil Disobedience Movement was started by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. It was a mass movement based on truth and non-violence. It was the first important step taken towards complete independence from British rule after the Revolt of 1857. We can discuss its various aspects as under Causes:

1. The Simon Commission visited India in 1928. It was an all-white commission. In other words, it had no member from India. So the people opposed Simon Commission wherever it went. They raised the slogans of “Simon: Go Back” before the Simon Commission. In spite of this, the report of the commission was published. It spread discontent among the people.

2. The British Government did not accept the recommendations of the Nehru Report.

3. The Peasants Movement of Bardoli had succeeded which inspired Gandhiji to start a national movement against British rule.

4. Gandhiji put forward a few conditions before the British Government but the Viceroy did not accept any of them. Under these circumstances, Gandhiji had no option other than to start a Civil Disobedience Movement against British rule.

The Progress of Movement: The Civil Disobedience Movement started with Dandi March. Mahatma Gandhi started his journey from Sabarmati Ashram on 12 March 1930 and reached Dandi, a place near sea-coast on 6 April 1930. He made a fistful of salt from the seawater and broke the salt laws. From there, this movement spread to each nook and corner of the country. In many places, the people defied the government laws.

To crush this movement, the British adopted repressive measures. Many people along with Gandhiji were put behind the bars. But it did not dampen the vigor of the people and the pace of the movement. However, a compromise was reached between Gandhiji and the Viceroy. According to this agreement, Gandhiji accepted to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement and take part in the Second Round Table Conference. In this way, the Civil Disobedience Movement came to a halt for some time.

End of the Movement: The Second Round Table Conference was organized in London in 1931. Gandhiji participated in it on behalf of the Congress. But even at this conference, no solution could be found for the redressal of Indian problems. Gandhiji felt depressed and returned to India. He again started the Civil Disobedience Movement. On the other hand, the British Government also initiated repressive measures to control this movement. Because of the atrocities of the government, the movement lost a bit of its momentum. In 1933, Congress officially suspended this movement. It was at last withdrawn in May 1934.

Causes for Failure: The following reasons were responsible for the failure of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

  1. Some scholars felt that this movement could not utilize the enthusiasm of the common people. It was suspended in between which dampened its pace.
  2. Congress did not put forward any social and economic programs. As a result, a new party emerged which was named as Congress Socialist Party.
  3. This movement did not benefit the farmers in any way.
  4. Some scholars felt that the leadership of this movement was in the hands of the rich. Besides, it had limited objectives.

Significance: In spite of a few short-comings, the Civil Disobedience Movement yielded some good results:

  1. Because of the boycott of foreign cloth, the import of such cloth declined.
  2. Because of picketing at wine shops, the collection of government revenue was reduced.
  3. The Indians were permitted to make salt near the sea-coast.
  4. An awakening was seen among the farmers, laborers, tribal people, and women. All these people had become an inseparable part of the national movement.
  5. Because of the atrocities committed by the British, the people were determined to attain freedom.
  6. The British Empire got a severe jolt.

Question 4.
Briefly describe the progress (events) of the Indian National Movement from March 1940 till 1945.
Answer:

1. Demand of Pakistan: In March 1940, the Muslim League passed a resolution for the creation of a separate nation called ‘Pakistan’ and declared it as its objective. The political situation of the country was now complicated. Now, this struggle was no longer between Indians and the British. Instead, now it had become a three-way struggle, i.e., between the Congress, the Muslim League, and the British. Britain, at this time, had an all party government, and the Labour party was part of it. Members of the Labour Party had- sympathetic views about Indian aspirations. But Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, was a diehard imperialist and was of the view that he was not appointed by the king to preside over the liquidation of the British Empire.

2. Cripps Mission: In 1942, Churchill sent one of his ministers, Sir Stafford Cripps, to India to find a way regarding the resumption of talks with Congress. While negotiating with Cripps, Congress stressed the fact that if the British wanted its support in the war then first of all the Viceroy should appoint any Indian as the Defence Member in his Executive Council. But talks broke down on this issue.

3. Quit India Movement: After the failure of the Cripps Mission, Mahatma Gandhi decided to launch his third major movement against British rule. This movement was launched in August 1942 which was given the name of ‘Quit India Movement’. Although Gandhiji was arrested at once, even then young activists organized strikes all over the country. Socialist members of Congress like Jayaprakash Narayan played a great role in it.

In many districts like Medinipur in the east and Satara in the West, Independent governments proclaimed. British adopted a very strict attitude towards this movement. Even then it took the government more than a year to suppress the rebellion.

Quit India Movement was a mass movement which was participated by hundreds of thousands of IndianThis movement attracted a large number of young people. They left their colleges and took the path of jail.

4. Efforts of the Muslim League to expand its Influence: When Congress leaders were in jail, Jinnah and other members of the Muslim League were busy expanding their influence. During these years, the League got a chance to make a mark in Punjab and Sindh where it had no or very little presence at all.

In June 1944, World War was on the verge of an end, Gandhiji was released from prison. In June 1944, Gandhiji talked many times with Jinnah to bridge the gap between the Congress and the Mulsim League.

5. Government of Labour Party in Britain: In June 1945, elections were held in Britain and the Labour party came to power. This government was in favor of giving independence to India. Meanwhile, in India, Lord Wavell held a number of meetings with representatives of Congress and the Muslim League.

Question 5.
Discuss the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle of India.
Or
Discuss the political life and works of Mahatma Gandhi.
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi attained a supreme place in the history of modern India. Under his leadership, the national movement got such a way that led directly to the independence of India in 1947. He challenged the authority of British rule with the weapons of truth and non-violence. He forced the Englishmen to quit India. We can discuss the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle as given below:

Political Life: The political life of Mahatma Gandhi started in South Africa. When he came back from England, he started practicing as a lawyer in India. But then he went to South Africa.

Life in South Africa: When Gandhiji reached South Africa, the condition of Indians there was pitiable due to maltreatment by the white government. Gandhiji could not bear this insult and started his Satyagraha against the white government of South Africa. He helped the people in getting their rights.

Life in India: Gandhiji returned to India from South Africa in 1916. The First World War had already started. The British Government was fighting this war against the Axis Powers. So it needed both men and money. Therefore Gandhiji appealed to the people to cooperate with the British. He wanted to win the hearts of the white men by helping them. He was convinced that the British would free India after the end of the war. But when the First World War ended, the British did not do anything concrete to free India. Contrary to the expectations of the people, it passed the Rowlatt Act. Gandhiji was shocked to see this drastic law and made up his mind to start the Non-Cooperation Movement against British rule.

Non-Cooperation Movement: Gandhiji started this movement in 1920. The people fully supported this movement and whole-heartedly participated in it. However, Gandhiji called off this movement when violent incidents took place at Chauri Chaura in Uttar Pradesh.

Civil Disobedience Movement: This movement was launched by Gandhiji in 1930. He took out his Dandi March and symbolically broke the Salt Laws by making a fistful of salt from the sea-water. The government was taken aback by this action of Gandhiji. At last, it allowed the Indians to make salt near the coast. An important Act was also passed in 1935.

Quit India Movement: Gandhiji wanted to seek freedom for the country. So in 1942, he started the Quit India Movement. Lakhs of followers joined the movement of Gandhiji. The British felt shocked at such a mass movement and made up their mind to free India. At last, India was set free on 15 August 1947. The credit for Indian independence obviously goes to Mahatma Gandhi.

Other Works: Gandhiji did a lot of work to enhance the prestige of the Indian remove poverty of the Indians, he exhorted all the people to wear Khadi. For the upliftment of the untouchable, Gandhiji called them ‘Harijans’. Similarly, he preached fraternity to get the people rid of communal riots.

Death: Gandhiji was shot dead on 30 January 1948 by Nathu Ram Godse, a youth. He recited thrice “Hey Ram” and died. His death was mourned all over the country. The Indians cannot forget Gandhiji and still remember him as the ‘Father of the Nation’.

Question 6.
Explain how the coming of Mahatma Gandhi broadened the base of the Indian National Movement. (C.B.S.E. Sample Paper 2011)
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi broadened the base of the national movement of India in the following way:

1. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the national movement did not merely remain a movement of intellectuals and professionals. Thousands of farmers, laborers, and artisans started participating in it.

2. Gandhiji lived a simple life that was liked by the common people. He wore clothes like a poor farmer or a worker. His way of living was also like a common man.

3. Gandhiji himself worked on the spinning wheel. He also inspired others to operate the spinning-wheel. The job of spinning cotton helped Gandhiji to break the wall of distinction between mental and physical labor prevalent in the traditional caste system.

4. Gandhiji tried to mitigate the sufferings of the farmers and other poor people.

5. The rumors that spread about the miracles of Gandhiji made him very popular. He had become a household name due to which most of the people jumped in the struggle for freedom and whole-heartedly participated in the national movement for freedom.

6. Under the leadership of Gandhiji, many branches of the Indian National Congress were opened in different cities. He established panchayats and Praja Mandals to instill nationalist feelings in the royal rulers.

7. Gandhiji emphasized the spread of the nationalist message in the mother tongue of the people and not in English.

8. Gandhiji emphasized the Hindu-Muslim unity to strengthen the base of the national movement of India.

9. Because of the impact of Gandhiji’s majestic personality, many leaders from different sections and regions of the country, had become an inseparable part of the freedom struggle.

10. He emphasized the fact that the defective society was essential to seek freedom.

Question 7.
Explain three different kinds of sources through which we can know about Gandhiji. Give any two problems faced while interpreting them. (C.B.S.E. 2008 (D))
Or
How do autobiographies Government records and newspapers help us knowing about Gandhiji? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2010 (O.D.))
Or
Explain the source from which we can reconstruct the political career of Mahatma Gandhi and the history of the National Movement of India. (C.B.S.E. 2011 (O.D. 2012, 2014 CD))
Or
Historians have used different kinds of sources in reconstructing the political career of Gandhiji and the history of social and nationalist movements. Substantiate the statement with examples. (C.B.S.E. 2019 (D))
Answer:

1. Autobiographies: Autobiographies give us a peep in the rich and illustrious past. But we must remember how do we study the autobiographies and how do we comprehend and explain them. After reading an autobiography, we come to know what the writer remembered and what things were important from his point of view. We also become aware of the facts that the writer intended to remember.

In fact, writing an autobiography is a means of leaving the impact of one’s personality on the minds of others. Consequently, while reading an autobiography, we must try to find out the unrevealed truth. There are many things that the author does not want to share with its readers.

2. Government Records: The colonial rulers always kept a strict vigilance on issues that they considered against them. So the Government records are also an important source of information. At that time, the reports penned down by policemen and other officials were confidential. But now these documents are available in the museums where anybody can see and study them. In the 20th century, many fortnightly reports were written. Such reports were prepared after every two weeks.

They were based on the information received from policemen and other officials. They reflected what the officials intended to see and what not to see. Keeping the possibility of revolt and treason in mind, these rulers tried to give the impression that these reports were baseless. If you look at the reports prepared during the Dandi March where Mahatma Gandhi broke the Salt Law, you will come to know that the home ministry was not ready to acknowledge that Gandhiji enjoyed mass-support.

These reports termed the Dandi March a drama that was aimed to get support from unwilling and luxury-loving people against British rule. There are many other sources by which we can know a lot about the political life of Gandhiji and the national freedom struggle.

3. Public Voice and Personal Writings: There were many who were in favor of Gandhiji. There were also many who opposed him for one thing or the other. The speeches depict the objective on the basis of which they were written. For example, we can hear the public views of the speaker in his speech. But his personal letters reflect his personal and private views. These letters make us acquainted with the anger and anguish, restlessness and dissatisfaction, hopes and frustration of the writer.

Many of the things cannot be made public by them. But many times there is no gap between private and public views. Many letters are written to individuals. It is possible that they may sometimes be got published. For the fear of being published someday, sometimes the writer hesitates to pen down any letter freely. Mahatma Gandhi used to publish the letters that he got from the people in his newspaper entitled ‘Harijan’. Nehru prepared a compilation of letters addressed to Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle. He got them published under the head ‘A Bunch of Old Letters’.

Question 8.
Why was the state monopoly in the manufacture and sale of salt un-popular among the masses? Also, explain how the Salt March of Mahatma Gandhi was notable. (C.B.S.E. 2009 (O.D.))
Answer:
During the British rule, the salt laws had given the state a monopoly to manufacture and sell salt. Most of the Indians abhorred these laws as salt was indispensable in every Indian household. The British had forbidden the people from making salt even for domestic use. They compelled all the people to buy salt from shops at high rates. The people could not do anything as the State enjoyed a monopoly over the manufacturing and sale of the salt.

Gandhiji had keen practical wisdom. He understood that the people disliked the salt law. So he targeted this law. As the people were discontent against the British rule, they gathered around Mahatma Gandhi who mobilized their strength and energy to give a boost to his struggle for complete independence of the country. So the salt law had become an important issue in the freedom struggle of India.

1. The Salt March (Dandi March) of Gandhi became very popular in the world. He got world attention when his march was widely covered by the European and American Press.

2. This Salt March was the first nationalist activity in which women had participated enthusiastically. They joined the march in large numbers. In fact, Gandhiji had allowed the women to participate in his Dandi March on the persuasion of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, socialist activities.

3. The Salt March made the British realize for the first time that their rule in India would not last forever. They had understood well that they would have to decentralize their power by involving Indians in the administration.

Question 9.
Assess the significance of Salt March in India’s Freedom Struggle. How did the British Government react to it? (C.B.S.E. 2011 (D))
Or
“The Salt March of 1930 was the statement that brought Mahatma Gandhi to world attention.” Explain the significance of this movement for Swaraj. (C.B.S.E. 2015 (O.D.))
Answer:
The Salt March. On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi started his historic Salt March from the Sabarmati Ashram with 78 other members to break the Salt Law. Mahatma Gandhi selected the Salt Law knowing fully that salt tax affected all sections of the society, especially the poor. Dandi was a small village on the sea-coast in Gujarat about 375 km from Sabarmati Ashram. It took 24 days to complete this march. Thousands of villagers cheered and garlanded Gandhiji on his way. Gandhiji addressed many meetings all along his march to Dandi and told the people about the objectives of the Movement.

The triumphant Salt March reached Dandi at sunset on April 5. The next morning i.e., on 6th April 1930, Gandhiji, after his morning prayer broke the Salt Law by collecting salt from the beach. It was a signal for the whole country to start the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Salt Law was one of the most widely hated laws in British India. It gave the British Government a monopoly in the manufacture and sale of salt. Therefore, Gandhiji’s picking on the salt monopoly was another illustration of his tactical wisdom. Salt was obligatorily used in every Indian household. Yet the people were forbidden from making salt even for domestic use. Thus, the Indians were compelled to buy salt from shops at a high price. The salt tax affected all sections of society, especially the poor. It caused great resentment among them against the British rule. Therefore, by making salt his target, Gandhiji hoped to mobilize a wider discontent against the British rule.

Importance of Salt March:

  1. It was the event that first brought Mahatma Gandhi to world attention. The march was widely covered by the European and American press.
  2. It was the first nationalist activity in which women participated in large numbers.
  3. It was the Salt March which forced upon the British the realization that their Raj would not last forever.
    Civil Disobedience Movement: This movement started with the Salt March undertaken by Gandhiji.

Progress of the Movement:

  • Peasants in a large part of the country broke the repressive colonial laws because of which they were not allowed to take their cattle to forests.
  • Factory workers in certain towns went on strike.
  • Lawyers boycotted the British courts.
  • Students refused to study in government educational institutions.

In fact, during the movement, Gandhiji appealed to everyone to organize and join the movement.

The reaction of the British Government: To end this, the British government convened a series of Round Table Conferences in London. The first meeting was held in November 1930 but without the pre-eminent political leader of India.

The Second Round Table Conference was held in London in the latter part of 1931. Here Gandhiji represented the Congress. However, his claims that his party represented all of India came under challenge from other parties. This conference was inconclusive, so Gandhiji returned to India and resumed the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement Important Extra Questions HOTS

Question 1.
South Africa made Gandhiji a ‘Mahatma’. Give arguments in favor of this statement.
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi went to South Africa as a lawyer and came back to India as a Mahatma. According to Chandran Devanesan, a historian, South Africa was “the making of the Mahatma”. This statement is corroborated with the following arguments:

  1. In South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi adopted a distinctive technique of non-violent protest. It was called as the Satyagraha.
  2. Mahatma Gandhi promoted harmony among people belonging to different religions. He exhorted the upper-caste Indians not to look down upon the lower castes and women.

Question 2.
Who was Lal-Bal-Pal?
Answer:
Lal-Bal-Pal were the prominent leaders of the Swadeshi Movement. They were Bal Gangadhar Tilak of Maharashtra, Bipin Chandra Pal of Bengal, and Lala Lajpat Rai of Punjab. They advocated militant opposition to colonial rule.

Question 3.
Who was invoked as the ‘Father of the Nation’ and why?
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi was invoked as the Father of the Nation. It was so because he was the most influential and revered leader of all those leaders who participated in the freedom struggle.

Question 4.
Who gave the slogan ‘Do or Die’? Why was it given?
Answer:
The slogan ‘Do or Die’ was given by Mahatma Gandhi during the Quit India Movement which began in August 1942. At that time, the Second World War was in full swing. It was a sensitive situation for England. Gandhiji realized that the time was ripe for compelling the British to quit India and so he gave the slogan of‘Do or Die’ and to the people.

Question 5.
What was the Direct Action Day?
Answer:
When the talks of the Congress and the Muslim League had failed with the Cabinet Mission, Mohammad Ali Jinnah gave a call for ‘Direct Action Day’ to emphasize his demand for the creation of Pakistan. He fixed 16 August 1946 as the Direct Action Day. But on the designated day, bloody riots broke out in Calcutta. This violence, later on, engulfed Bengal, Bihar, United Provinces, and Punjab. In some places, the Hindus suffered the agony. At other places, the Muslims faced heavy casualties and losses. In other words, it increased the differences between the Hindus and the Muslims.

Question 6.
What did Gandhiji tell the upper castes of a village to do, during his Salt March, if they wanted to get Swaraj? (C.B.S.E. 2011 (O.D.))
Answer:
Gandhiji told the upper castes, “if you want Swaraj, then you must serve lower caste people. You won’t get Swaraj only by the repeal of the salt taxes or other taxes. For Swaraj, you must amend for the wrongs which you did to the lower castes.”

Question 7.
How did Gandhiji succeed in strengthening the basis of nationalism in India?
Answer:
Gandhiji had brought a great transformation in the Indian nationalism. He’ gave it a mass base. When Gandhiji came to India from South Africa, nationalism in India was a movement of professionals and intellectuals. But Gandhiji ensured the involvement and participation of peasants, workers, and artisans. Rather than standing aloof from the common people, Mahatma Gandhi identified himself with them. He lived like the common people; dressed and ate like them, and also spoke the language which the common people spoke. He wore a simple dhoti or loin-cloth and worked on a Charkha (spinning wheel). He also encouraged other nationalists to do the same. He did all these things to strengthen the nationalist movement in India.

Mahatma Gandhi had a mass appeal. He broadened the basis of nationalism in Indian politics. For this, he took up the following steps:

  1. He suggested the Indian National Congress set up its new branches in various parts of the country.
  2. He suggested the establishment of a series of Praja Mandals to promote the nationalist creed in the princely states.
  3. He did not use the language of the rulers. He conveyed his message in the mother tongue.
    Thus, Gandhiji took nationalism to distant corners of the country. He broadened its base to include all social groups. He also strengthened it so that it could be the path to achieve complete independence from the colonial rule

Question 8.
“The India that Mahatma Gandhi came back to in 1915 was rather different from the one that he had left.” Give five reasons in favor of the comment.
Answer:

1. Although India was still a British colony now it was more active from a political point of view. Now, most of the Indian towns and cities had branches of the Indian National Congress.

2. Through the Swadeshi Movement of 1905-07, Congress had broadened its base among the middle class.

3. Swadeshi Movement had thrown up some great leaders which included Bal Gangadhar Tilak of Maharashtra, Bipin Chandra Pal of Bengal, and Lala Lajpat Rai of Punjab. These three leaders were also known as ‘Lai, Bal, and Pal’. Collection of all these three was a symbol of all—Indian character of their struggle because basically, they belonged to far off places.

4. These leaders advocated the militant opposition of colonial rule but on the other hand, there was a group of moderates that was completely in favor of a gradual and persuasive approach.

5. These moderate leaders included Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who was the acknowledged political mentor of Gandhiji and Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Question 9.
Give a brief description of the struggle done by Gandhiji for communal harmony after few months of independence.
Answer:
The freedom, for which Gandhiji struggled so long, came at an unacceptable price, i.e., division of the country. The nation was divided and Hindus and Muslims wanted to cut the throats of each other. Gandhiji appealed to Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs of riot-hit areas that they should forget the past and extend their hands of fellowship to each other and to determine to live in peace.

After working for bringing peace to Bengal, Gandhiji came back to Delhi. He then wanted to move on to the riot-hit districts of Punjab. But his meetings in the capital were disrupted by refugees. How could he go to Punjab when he was unable to promise the Muslims of Delhi about their protection? The end result of this struggle of Gandhiji came on 30th January 1930 when he was shot dead by a young man. It was a great sacrifice for the country.

Question 10.
Discuss the progress of the Quit India Movement. What was its importance in the history of the national movement for independence in India?
Or
How was Quit India Movement genuinely a Mass Movement? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2009 (D))
Or
Examine why Quit India Movement was started and how do you think the Quit India Movement was genuinely a mass movement. (C.B.S.E. 2017 (D))
Answer:
The Quit India Movement started on 9 August 1942. The main reason for its beginning was that during the Second World War, Japan had occupied Burma. It was feared that Japan might attack India to harm the British interests. At this time, Congress passed a resolution to start the Quit India Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. This resolution was passed as many leaders of the Congress felt that Japan would not attack India if the British left it. Besides the resolution for Quit India Movement, the Congress also resolved not to accept anything less than complete independence for India.

Beginning and Progress of the Movement: The Civil Disobedience Movement was started on 9 August 1942 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. He challenged the British to quit India. Soon after there were slogans of ‘Quit India’ all over the country. The British put their full might to repress this movement. Most of the political leaders were arrested. It infuriated the people who started plundering government offices, railway stations, and post offices.

The British became more adamant and put innumerable people behind the bars. The whole country was turned into a prison. Till February 1943, the Quit India continued with success. But after that, it lost its momentum because of the repressive policy of the government. It came to an end slowly and steadily.

Significance: Quit India was a mass movement that had the participation of lakhs of ordinary people. The British officials had also realized how wide was the discontent among the people against them and their rule. They came to know that the ultimate goal of all the Indians was complete independence from British rule. No doubt the British crushed the movement but it failed to crush the spirit for freedom inherent in the hearts of the common people. The impact of this movement was so intense that the British had to free India within three years from the end of this historic movement.

Question 11.
Explain how Gandhiji’s mass appeal was undoubtedly genuine in the context of Indian politics and how it contributed to his success in broadening the basis of nationalism. (C.B.S.E. 2009 (O.D.))
Answer:
Gandhiji had brought a great transformation in the Indian nationalism. He gave it a mass base. When Gandhiji came to India from South Africa, nationalism in India was a movement of professionals and intellectuals. But Gandhiji ensured the involvement and participation of peasants, workers, and artisans rather than standing aloof from the common people, Mahatma Gandhi identified himself with them. He lived like the common people. He wore a simple dhoti or lion-cloth and also worked on a Charkha (spinning- wheel). He also encouraged other nationalists to do the same. He did all these things to strengthen the nationalist movement in India.

Mahatma Gandhi had a mass appeal. He broadened the basis of nationalism in Indian politics. For this, he took up the following steps:

  1. He suggested the Indian National Congress set up its new branches in various parts of the country.
  2. He suggested the establishment of a series of Praja Mandals to promote the nationalist creed in the princely states.
  3. He did not use the language of the rulers and conveyed his message in the mother tongue.

Thus, Gandhiji took nationalism to the distant corners of the country. He broadened its base to include all social groups. He also strengthened it so that it could be the path to achieve complete independence from the colonial rule.

Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement Important Extra Questions Source-Based

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow:

Question 1. Charkha

Mahatma Gandhi was profoundly critical of the modern age in which machines enslaved humans and displaced labor. He saw the charkha as a symbol of human society that would not glorify machines and technology. The spinning wheel, moreover, could provide the poor with supplementary income and make them self-reliant.

What I object to, is the craze for machinery as such. The craze is for what they call labour¬saving machinery. Men go on “saving labor”, till thousands are without work and thrown on the open streets to die of starvation. I want to save time and labor, not for a fraction of mankind, but for all; I want the concentration of wealth, not in the hands of few, but in the hands of all. Young India, 13 November 1924 Khaddar does not seek to destroy all machinery but it does regulate its cause and check its weedy growth. It uses machinery for the service of the poorest in their own cottages. The wheel is itself an exquisite piece of machinery.

Young India, 17 March 1927
(i) Why was Mahatma Gandhi critical of machines?
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi was critical of the machines because they enslaved human-beings and displaced labor.

(ii) Why did Mahatma Gandhi give so much importance to Charkha (spinning wheel)?
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi gave much importance to Charkha (spinning wheel). He considered Charkha as a symbol of a self-reliant society. According to Gandhiji, Charkha diminished the glory of machines and technology. It signified manual labor. It also provided the poor with supplementary income.

(iii) In the views of Gandhiji, what would be the impact on the poor if the machines saved labor? How it will benefit the rich (capitalist)? Why was this solution not acceptable to Gandhiji?
Answer:
Gandhiji was against the craze for machinery. He did not consider machines justified on the plea that they saved labor. He was critical of machines because they left thousands of people without work. They made many people die of starvation. Not only this, the machines will lead to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few capitalists. In fact, Gandhi wanted that wealth should go into the hands of all. So the introduction of machines and technology was not acceptable to Gandhiji.

(iv) According to Gandhiji, what is the relation between Khaddar and machinery.
Answer:
According to Gandhiji, Khaddar does not destroy any machinery. On the other hand, it regulates the use of machinery. It checks the weedy growth of machines. It encourages cottage industry. In other words, Gandhiji considered Charkha as a beautiful piece of machinery.

Question 2.
Ambedkar on Separate Electorates

In response to Mahatma Gandhi’s opposition to the demand for separate electorates for the Depressed Classes, Ambedkar wrote:

Here is a class that is undoubtedly not in a position to sustain itself in the struggle for existence. The religion, to which they are tied; instead of providing them an honorable place, brands them as lepers, not fit for ordinary intercourse. Economically, it is a class entirely dependent upon the high-caste Hindus for earning its daily bread with no independent way of living open to it. Nor are all ways closed by reason of the social prejudices of the Hindus but there is a definite attempt all through our Hindu Society to bolt every possible door so as not to allow the Depressed Classes any opportunity to rise in the scale of life.

In these circumstances, it would be granted by all fair-minded persons that as the only path for a community so handicapped to succeed in the struggle for life against organized tyranny, some share of political power in order that it may protect itself is a paramount necessity…
(i) What were the arguments of Mahatma Gandhi against the Separate Electorates? Give any two arguments.
Answer:
(a) Mahatma Gandhi stated that the provision of a Separate Electorate would permanently segregate the depressed classes from the mainstream of the society.
(b) Being a fragmented society, there would be a threat to national unity.

(ii) How has Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described the social and economic condition of the Dalits?
Answer:
According to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the depressed classes were not in a position to sustain themselves. They do not have an honorable place in society. They are hated like lepers. They are dependent on the upper castes to earn their daily bread. They have no independent way of living. In other words, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar considered the depressed classes as handicapped both socially as well as economically.

(iii) What did he want for the protection of the Dalits? For it, what did he propose?
Answer:
He sought some share in the political power for the depressed classes. It would help them get protection. So he moved a resolution in Constituent Assembly seeking separate electorates for the depressed people of India.

Question 3.
The Problem with Separate Electorates

At the Round Table Conference Mahatma Gandhi stated his arguments against separate electorates for the Depressed Classes:

Separate electorates to the “Untouchables” will ensure them bondage in perpetuity …..

Do you want the “Untouchables” to remain “Untouchables” forever? Well, the separate electorates would perpetuate the stigma. What is needed is the destruction of “Untouchability”, and when you have done it, the bar sinister, which has been imposed by an insolent “superior” class will be destroyed. When you have destroyed the bar sinister to whom will you give the separate electorates?
(i) Where and why were the Round Table Conferences held?
Answer:
The Round Table Conferences were held in London because the British had realized that their rule in India could not last long.

(ii) Why was Gandhi against separate electorates for the untouchables?
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi felt that separate electorates to the untouchables would enslave them forever. So they would perpetuate the stigma of untouchability.

(iii) What alternative did he want and why?
Answer:
Gandhiji suggested destroying untouchability. There should be no sinister bar of the superior class on the inferior one.

(iv) Name any one leader who demanded separate electorates for the untouchables and the depressed classes.
Answer:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar demanded separate electorates for the untouchables.

Question 4.
“Tomorrow we shall break the salt tax law”

On 5 April 1930, Mahatma Gandhi spoke at Dandi:

When I left Sabarmati with my companions for this seaside hamlet of Dandi, I was not certain in my mind that we would be allowed to reach this place. Even while I was at Sabarmati there was a rumor that I might be arrested. I had thought that the Government might perhaps let my party come as far as Dandi, but not me certainly. If someone says that this betrays imperfect faith on my part, I shall not deny the charge. That I have reached here is in no small measure due to the power of peace and non-violence: that power is universally felt.

The Government may, if it wishes, congratulate itself on acting as it has done, for it could have arrested every one of us. In saying that it did not have the courage to arrest this army of peace, we praise it. It felt ashamed to arrest such an army. He is a civilized man who feels ashamed to do anything which his neighbors would disapprove of. The Government deserves to be congratulated on not arresting us, even if it desisted only from fear of world opinion.

Tomorrow we shall break the salt tax law. Whether the Government will tolerate that is a different question. It may not tolerate it, but it deserves congratulations on the patience and forbearance it has displayed in regard to this party …
What if I and all the eminent leaders in Gujarat and in the rest of the country are arrested? This movement is based on the faith that when a whole nation is roused and on the march no leader is necessary.
(i) Where and how did Gandhiji break the Salt Law?
Answer:
Gandhi broke the Salt Law at Dandi on the coast of the sea. He made a fistful of salt from seawater.

(ii) What was the mental condition of Gandhiji before the Dandi March? Was he proved right?
Answer:
Gandhiji felt uncertain if he would be allowed to reach Dandi. There was a rumor that he might be arrested.

(iii) Why did Gandhiji praise the British Government?
Answer:
Gandhiji praised the British Government because it was refined and civilized. It did not have the courage to arrest Gandhi’s army of peace. Therefore, Gandhiji compared the British Government to a civilized gentleman who felt ashamed to do anything that his neighbors did not approve of.

(iv) According to Gandhiji, on what principle was the Salt Movement-based?
Answer:
According to Gandhiji, his movement was based on the faith that when a whole nation is roused against injustice, no leader is necessary.

Question 5.
Why the Salt Satyagraha?

Why was salt the symbol of protest? This is what Mahatma Gandhi wrote:

The volume of information being gained daily shows how wickedly the salt tax has been designed. In order to prevent the use of salt that has not paid the tax which is at times even fourteen times its value, the Government destroys the salt it cannot sell profitably. Thus it taxes the nation’s vital necessity; it prevents the public from manufacturing it and destroys what nature manufactures without effort.

No adjective is strong enough for characterizing this wicked dog-in-the-manger policy. From various sources, I hear tales of such wanton destruction of the nation’s property in all parts of India. Maunds if not tons of salt are said to be destroyed on the Konkan coast. The same tale comes from Dandi. Wherever there is the likelihood of natural salt being taken away by the people living in the neighborhood of such areas for their personal use, salt officers are posted for the sole purpose of carrying on destruction. Thus valuable national property is destroyed at the national expense and salt is taken out of the mouths of the people.

The salt monopoly is thus a fourfold curse. It deprives the people of a valuable easy village industry, involves wanton destruction of property that nature produces in abundance, the destruction itself means more national expenditure, and fourthly, to crown this folly, an unheard-of tax or more than 1,000 percent is exacted from a starving people.

This tax has remained so long because of the apathy of the general public. Now that it is sufficiently roused, the tax has to go. How soon it will be abolished depends upon the strength of the people.
(i) Why did the British Government destroy salt?
Answer:
The tax on salt was fourteen times its real value. So the British Government destroyed that salt which it could not sell profitably. So it prevented the people from manufacturing salt. On the other hand, it destroyed that salt that nature had manufactured without any effort.

(ii) Why did Gandhiji consider it as an unjust policy?
Answer:
According to Gandhiji, salt was the gift of nature to man. But the British Government did not allow people to manufacture salt. As salt was indispensable for domestic use, the people were compelled to buy it from shops at a high price. It was an unjust policy.

(iii) By which four arguments, Gandhiji proved that the salt monopoly was a four¬fold curse?
Answer:
According to Gandhiji, the salt monopoly was a four-fold curse because of the following:
(a) It would lead to an extinction of village industry in India.
(b) It destroyed what nature produced without any effort.
(c) It would incur more national expenditure.
(d) It imposed a 1000% tax on the starving people.

 

Data: Its Source and Compilation Class 12 Important Extra Questions Geography Chapter 1

Here we are providing Class 12 Geography Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 1 Data: Its Source and Compilation. Geography Class 12 Important Questions are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 1 Important Extra Questions Data: Its Source and Compilation

Data: Its Source and Compilation Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What are Geographic Data ?
Answer:
Geographic data constitute a set of information. It gives distribution and density of a phenomenon. There are many types of data. Since Geography deals with both natural and human phenomena, geographic data range from rocks of the earth surface to climate, crops, industries, animals and humans and all the attributes of each of them. Geographic data can be both qualitative or quantitative.

Question 2.
What are the main steps involved in data classification ?
Answer:
Data classification involves the following main steps :

  • Classifying data on the basis of time, region, quality, magnitude, etc.
  • Tabulating the data in the form of tables, without losing their accuracy.
  • Processing the data using suitable statistical techniques.

Question 3.
Describe the primary and secondary sources of data.
Answer:
Sources of Data: There are two main sources of geographic data: primary and secondary.
(i) Primary Data : Data collected directly from the field by counting a phenomena or interviewing people is called primary data. The main source of primary data is field investigation.

(ii) Secondary data : is not collected by the user directly, it is already published or available with some reliable sources. The user uses the data and derives his conclusions taking them as authentic.

Question 4.
What are the sources of data ?
Answer:
The main source of primary data is field investigation. There are numerous sources of secondary information. Each specialised agency gathers and publishes its own relevant data.

  • Census of India publishes population data
  • Agriculture department publishes agricultural data.
  • Water Resource department publishes water-related data.
  • In India maps are published by Survey of India (SOI) and National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO). Survey of India publishes topographical maps on various scale while NATMO publishes thematic maps.

Question 5.
What is the importance of Diagrammatic representation of data ?
Answer:
Diagrammatic representation of data is another important characteristic of Geography. One can convert a huge table of data into graphs, charts, pie diagrams or maps and present its salient features visually. Such maps give visual representation of the distribution of selected phenomena or a set of phenomena in relation to each other.

Question 6.
Describe the main steps of data analysis.
Answer:
Data Analysis — Main Steps :
(1) Collection of Data is the first step in its utilisation. Care is taken to record data as accurately as possible. Because defective data leads to defective results.

(2) Data Classification involves editing, classification and organisation of the collected data to present the same in condensed forms. The sum total of computing, tabulating and statistically transforming relevant information in a suitable format is known as data analysis. The first step in this process is classification of the data according to some common characteristics.

Question  7.
What is meant by tabulation of data ?
Answer:
Tabulation of Data. The raw data is collected in an unclassified form. It is difficult to understand it and draw a conclusion from it. This data is presented in a systematic and arranged form. The principle method of presenting data is through tabular representation.

The purpose of a table is to simplify the presentation and to make comparisons easy. The data is presented in the shape of columns and rows. Columns are drawn vertically and the rows are drawn horizontally.

Main parts of a table. The main functional parts of a table are shown in the following format:

  • Table number. Table number is given for reference.
  • Title of the table. Title of the table is written to describe the contents of the table.
  • Head note. The head note gives detailed information of the data.
  • Sub-title. The sub-title includes sub-head and entries.
  • Body. It includes the data entries in cells.
  • Box-head. The box-head labels the data written in the columns.
  • Footnote. Some information is placed at the bottom of the table and is marked with (*).
  • Source note. The source of data is given at the bottom of the table.

Table Number —Title of the Table —Head-note

Sub-head Master Caption Box Head
Column Head Column Head Column Head
Sub-entries Cell
Cell
Cell
Cell
Cell
Cell
Cell
Cell
Body

Footnotes if, any; Sources

Question 8.
What do you mean by classification of data ? How is data classified ?
Answer:
Classification of data. The data is classified in different groups. It makes the data understandable. Classification is a process of arranging data into groups according to their common characteristics and putting them into different classes on the basis of their values. The data is arranged either in ascending order or descending order.

Example. Arrange the following data of marks obtained by some students, in ascending and descending order:

67 34 36 48 49 31 61 34 43 45 38 32 28 61 29 47 36 50 46 30 46 32 40 33 45 49 48 41 53 36 37 47 47 30 46 50 28 35 35     38 46 40 34 36 62 69 56 28 44 43 60
39.

Ascending order
28, 28, 28, 29, 30, 30, 30, 31, 32, 32, 33, 34, 34, 34, 35, 35, 36, 36, 36, 36, 37, 38, 38, 38, 41, 43, 43, 43, 44, 45, 45, 46, 46, 46, 46, 47, 47, 47, 48, 48, 49, 49, 50, 50, 50, 53, 60, 61, 61, 62, 67, 69.

Descending order
69, 67, 62, 61, 61, 60, 53, 50, 50, 50, 49, 49, 48, 48, 47, 47, 47, 46, 46, 46, 46, 45, 45, 44, 43, 43, 43, 41, 39, 38, 38, 37, 36, 36, 36, 36, 35, 35, 34, 34, 34, 33, 32, 32, 31, 30, 30, 30,
29, 28, 28, 28.

Frequency Distribution Table

Frequency Distribution Table is a summary table in which data is arranged in a compact and systematic form. The whole range of values is divided into different groups or classes. These values are shown by Tally Bars. The values are shown by vertical lines. Four lines are drawn as vertical lines and is crossed obliquely by the fifth line.

It is known as Tally Bar which shows value of five. When these Tally Bars are counted and written in numerical value, it is called frequency. The difference between the highest value and the lowest value is called Range. The difference between the lower limit and upper limit of a class is known as class interval.
Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 1 Data Its Source and Compilation 1

Question 9.
Describe the different methods of classification of data.
Answer:
Methods of Classification. Data classification makes the complex data easy to understand and make conclusions. Data is grouped according to different variables.

(i) Simple Frequencies. When the data is classified on the basis of an element of geographical facts, such as population density state wise, it is expresed as f (The number) 2 f = N = Total.

(ii) Temporal Classification. When data is presented according to time. As population in 1951¬60, 1961-70, etc.

(iii) Individual Series. When each element is shown by different measure-marks of students.
Roll No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 ‘7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Marks 15 10 20 5 15 20 5 10 20 25 30 25 10 15 25 10 5 20 25 10.

(iv) Discrete series. This series shows definite measure of each unit.

Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 1 Data Its Source and Compilation 2

Geography Class 12 Important Questions Chapter 1 Data Its Source and Compilation 1

Question 10.
Describe the primary and secondary sources of data.
Answer:
Sources of Data. The data are collected through the following ways. These are :
1. Primary sources, and
2. Secondary sources.
The data which are collected for the first time by an individual or a group of individuals, institution/ organisations are called Primary sources of the data. On the other hand, data collected from any published or unpublished sources are called Secondary sources.

Sources of Primay Data

1. Personal Observations. It refers to the collection of information by an individual or group of individuals through direct observations in the field.

2. Interview. In this method, the researcher gets direct information from the respondent through dialogues and conversations.

3. Other Methods. The data about the properties of soil and water are collected directly in the field by measuring their characteristics using soil kit and water quality kit. Similarly, field scientists collect data about the health of the crops and vegetation using transducers.
Secondary sources of data

Secondary sources of data consist of published and unpublished records which include government publications, documents and reports.

Published Sources
1. Government Publications. The publications of the various ministries and the departments of the Government of India, state governments and the District Bulletins are one of the most important sources of secondary information.

These include the Census of India published by the Office of the Registrar General of India, reports of the National Sample Survey, Weather Reports of Indian Meteorological Department, and Statistical Abstracts published by state governments, and the periodical reports published by different commissions.

2. Semi/Quasi-goverment Publications. The publications and reports of Urban Development Authorities and Municipal Corporations of various cities and towns, Zila Parishads (District Councils), etc., fall under this category.

3. International Publications. The international publications comprise yearbooks, reports and monographs published by different agencies of the United Nations such as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Health Organisation (WHO), Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), etc.

4. Private Publications. The yearbooks, surveys, research reports and monographs published by newspapers and private organisations fall under this category.

5. Newspapers and Magazines. The daily newspapers and the weekly, fortnightly and monthly magazines serve as easily accessible source of secondary data.

6. Electronic Media. The electronic media specially the Internet has emerged as a major source of secondary data in recent times.

Unpublished Sources
1. Goverment Documents. The unpublished reports, monographs and documents are yet another source of secondary data.

2. Quasi-government records. The periodical reports and the development plans prepared and maintained by different Municipal Corporations, District Councils and Civil Services departments are included in Quasi¬government records.

3. Private Documents. These include unpublished reports and records of companies, trade unions, different political and apolitical organisations and resident welfare associations.

The Cold War Era Class 12 Important Extra Questions Political Science Chapter 1

Here we are providing Class 12 Political Science Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 1 The Cold War Era. Political Science Class 12 Important Questions are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Important Extra Questions The Cold War Era

The Cold War Era Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What is meant by the Cold War? (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
Cold War means the war of nerves. It is not an actual war but a war in which the rival States try through all means, short of an actual war, to gain supremacy at the cost of the other State. One State or bloc tries to gain power and prestige defeating the cause of the rival States.

Question 2.
List any four member countries of NATO. (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:

  1. The U.S.A.
  2. Britain
  3. France
  4. Canada.

Question 3.
What is meant by the Cuban Missile Crisis? (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:
Nikita Khrushchev, the leader of the U.S.S.R. placed nuclear missiles in Cuba The Soviet Union Missiles were a threat to the U.S.A. The US President John F. Kennedy and his advisors were determined to get Khrushchev to remove the missiles and nuclear weapons from Cuba. President Kennedy ordered American warships to intercept any Soviet Union ships heading to Cuba. A conflict between two big powers was imminent and this crisis was known as the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Question 4.
Which two ideologies were involved in a conflict during the Cold-War era and why? (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:
After the Second World War, Cold War started between, U.S.A. (Capitalist) and U.S.S.R. (Communist). A Cold War is a state of tension between countries in which each side adopts policies designed to strengthen itself and weaken the other, a line falling short of actual war.

Question 5.
What constrained the superpower to go for a full-fledged war in spite of having nuclear weapons? (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:
Nuclear weapons though dangerous and disastrous, yet. check the big-powers from using against each other. They know the effects of these weapons and for this reason, big power try to avoid wars so that they can save themselves as well as opponents from their devastating effects.

Question 6.
Mention any two of the agreements signed between the two superpowers starting in the 1960s. (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Or
Starting in the 1960s, the two super-powers signed which two significant agreements to control arms? (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Answer:
1. Partial Test Ban Treaty
2. N.P.T.

Question 7.
Name four founders of NAM and the countries they belonged to respectively. (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:

Name of the founder Country
1. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru India
2. Josip Broz Tito Yugoslavia
3. Gamal Abdel Nasser Egypt
4. Sukarno Indonesia

Question 8. What do you understand by NATO?
Or
Which organization came into existence in April 1949? (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was established in April 1949. It bound the U.S.A. to the defense of Western Europe. It also called the Atlantic Alliance or Western Alliance was an association of twelve states which declared that armed attack on any one of them would be regarded as an attack on all of them. NATO was a U.S. sponsored military alliance.

Question 9.
What is meant by Non-alignment? (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
The policy of non-alignment is an independent policy. A nation, by adopting it, can evade subordination of any power bloc and can easily form its opinion about any problem after thorough analysis. Non-alignment stands for a positive commitment to an independent foreign policy.

Question 10.
Mention any two major military features of the Cold War. (C.B.S.E. 2010, 16)
Answer:

  1. U.S.A. and U.S.S.R, both groups formed a military alliance during Cold War.
  2. U.S.A. and U.S.S.R, both are involved in military intervention in various countries.

Question 11.
What is meant by ‘Arenas of Cold War’? (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
Arenas of cold war mean the areas where crisis and war occurred or threatened to occur between the alliance system but did not cross certain limits. Arenas of the Cold War were Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.

Question 12.
Mention the military alliances formed by the western Block. (C.B.S.E. Sample Q.P. 2017)
Answer:
(1) NATO
(2) CEATO
(3) CENTO

Question 13.
In which way did the policy of non¬alignment serve India’s interests? (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Answer:
The most important basic principles of India’s foreign policy is non-alignment as its base. A country with newly attained freedom could not interface in the international affairs. At the same time, India was facing manifold internal problems and could not afford to snap its relation with either of the two blocs. The basic principle of India’s foreign policy non-alignment, it safeguarding the national interests.

Question 14.
Why different arenas of the cold war did not convert into a hot war between the two alliances? (C.B.S.E. Sample Paper 2018)
Answer:
1. Both sides have enough capacity to retaliate against an attack and cause so many destructions.
2. Both sides exhibited restraint on their actions to prevent nuclear war.

Question 15.
Identify any one occasion/instance where the cold war between the two superpowers became a simple struggle for power by ignoring the ideological dimension. (C.B.S.E. Sample Papaer 2018)
Answer:
One such occasion/instance where the cold war between the two superpowers became a simple struggle for power by ignoring the ideological dimension when the U.S. first time openly supported the communist China of its opposite ideology in order to balance its power against the U.S.S.R.

Question 16.
Assess the main contribution of the Non- Aligned movement to the newly independent countries. (C.B.S.E. 2018)
Answer:
The main contribution to the Non-Aligned movement to the newly independent countries is to keep them away from the ‘Cold War’.

Question 17.
Why did Jawaharlal Nehru say that non-alignment was not a policy of ‘fleeing away’? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Jawaharlal Nehru says that non-alignment was not a policy of ‘fleeing away1 rather India was in favor of actively intervening in world matters to reduce Cold War Tension.

The Cold War Era Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type (2 Marks)

Question 1.
Mention the impact of the end of the Cold War. (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Answer:
After the end of the Cold War, the world became unilateral and U.S. hegemony began.

Question 2.
Why was the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation also called Western ) Alliance? (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Or
What is meant by Western Alliance? (C.B.S.E. 2018)
Or
What is meant by Western Alliance formed during the Cold War period? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was established in April 1949. NATO bound the U.S.A. to the deference of Western Europe. It also called the Atlantic or Western Alliance was an association of twelve states which declared that armed attack on any one of them would be regarded as an attack on all of them.

Question 3.
Why was the Warsaw Pact also called the ‘Eastern Alliance’? (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
Warsaw Pact was established in May 1955. It was bound to the Former U.S.S.R. for the defense of Eastern Europe. Therefore, it was called Eastern Alliance.

Question 4.
What is the full form of‘ SEATO’. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
SEATO means-Southeast Asian Treaty Organisation.

Question 5.
Suggest one argument in ‘ support of the etab1iihment of NIEO in the world. (C.B.S.E. Sample Paper 2011)
Answer:
NIEO was established to develop the least developed countries of the third world, and lift them out of poverty.

Question 6.
Why is non-alignment not considered isolationism? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Non-alignment not considered isolationism because isolation means remaining aloof from world politics on the other hand non-aligned countries played an active role in mediating between the two rival countries or alliances.

Question 7.
How does non-alignment differ from neutrality? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Non-alignment differs from neutrality. Neutrality means a policy of staying out of the war, but non-aligned countries involved in wars for various reasons.

Question 8.
How did the Non-aligned countries play a role in reducing cold-war conflicts? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Non-alignment countries tried to prevent was between others and also tried to end ongoing wars.

Question 9.
Why did the New International Economic Order (NIEO) initiative fade away in the late 1980s? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
The NIEO initiative fades away in the late 1980s, because of the strong opposition from developed countries.
Choose the correct answer:

Question 10.
Which of the following was not a member of NATO?
(a) The U.S.A.
(b) England
(c) France
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(d) None of these.

Question 11.
Which of the following was not a member of SEATO?
(a) U.S.S.R. (b) New Zealand
(c) Pakistan (d) Australia.
Answer:
(a) U.S.S.R.

Question 12.
Which of the following statements about the NIEO is false? (CBSE Sample Q.P. 2017)
(a) Give the LDCs control over their natural resources
(b) Obtain access to Western markets
(c) Reduce the cost of technology from the Western countries
(d) Provide the developed countries with a greater role in international economic institutions.
Answer:
(d) Provide the developed countries with a greater role in international economic institutions.

Question 13.
In 1945 the allied forces included the U.S___________U.S.S.R and ___________ (Sample Paper 2019-20)
Answer:
In 1945 the allied forces included the U.S., Britain, U.S.S.R, and France.

The Cold War Era Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Explain the meaning of the term Cold War.
Answer:
After the Second World War, the Cold War started between, U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. A cold war is a state of tension between countries in which each side adopts policies designed to strengthen itself and weaken the other, a line falling short of an actual war. The term ‘Cold War’ came into use for describing the situation in which war was not actually fought but a warlike hysteria or as Nehru described ‘a brain war, a nerve war and a propaganda war’ was kept in operation.

The Cold War has been a predominant factor in determining the conduct of international affairs in the Post-Second World War. It envisaged an area of neither peace nor war between the Soviet Union and its dozen allies on one hand and the United States and a score of its allies on the other hand. The western alliances led by the U.S.A. were committed to liberal democracy and capitalism while the Eastern bloc led by the U.S.S.R. was committed to the ideology of socialism and communalism.

Question 2.
Why did India distance itself from the two camps led by the U.S. and the Soviet Union? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
1. First, India had to struggle against colonialism and imperialism. After getting freedom from imperialistic exploitations, faced the problem of economic reconstruction which could be accomplished in a peaceful atmosphere. So, India preferred not to join any group to avoid tension.

2. Secondly, India adopted the policy of non-alignment for peaceful co-existence for securing world peace and stability.

3. The policy of non-alignment was followed to elevate India’s prestige. If India gives it decision pertaining to international problems in a neutral way, both the power Blocs would respect its ideology, and the tension at the international level will lessen.

4. In order to preserve the hard-earned sovereignty, protect the territorial integrity and promote rapid economic development.

Question 3.
Mention two ways in which the non-alignment policy of India served its National interests. Also, write any two bases on which this policy was criticized. (C.B.S.E 2019)
Answer:
The policy of Non-aligned of India served its national interest in the way following ways:
1. Policy of Non-aligned help India to take a decision that served its National interests.
2. Due to the policy of Non-aligned India was able to balance one bloc against the other.

Criticism of Non-alignment: For this, See Question No. 4.

Question 4.
India’s policy of non-alignment has been criticised for being ‘In¬consistent’ and ‘Unprincipled’. Do you agree? Why? (C.B.S.E.2009)
Or
Why is the policy of non-alignment of India criticised? Explain any two reasons. (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
1. India’s policy of non-alignment has been criticised for being unprincipled. In the name of pursuing its national interest, it was said that India often refused to take a firm stand on critical international issues.

2. India’s Policy of Non-alignment has been also criticised for being inconsistent. India criticised other countries for joining alliances, and itself signed the treaty of Friendship in 1971 with U.S.S.R.

Question 5.
Explain the role played by India in maintaining Afro-Asian unity. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
India is always ready to have friendly relations with other States of the world. India not only improved its friendly ties with Asian countries but with countries of the world also. India tries to unite Asian and African countries to strengthen economic and political relations. India believes that these countries can in unity oppose colonialism and create an atmosphere for the freedom of other Asian and African countries.

The Cold War Era Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Why was the end of the second world war considered to be the beginning of the Cold War? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Discuss the meaning and causes of the origin of the Cold War.
Answer:
Introduction. The remarkable result of the Second World War was the end of the war-time alliance and co-operation among the Allies. The United States, Britain and France had entered the war in close collaboration with Soviet Russia against the Fascist powers. A close alliance was formed forgetting all ideological differences. In fact, the United States and the Soviet Union came very close to each other. But after the end of the war, the War-time co-operation and friendship among the Allies dried up.

Soviet Russia and the United States emerged as the only two nations worthy of the title of ‘big powers’. The other nations of the world began to move around them. This led to the division of the world into two blocs. Under the leadership of these two powers, the rival blocs competed with each other for world-leadership. The rivalry (opposition) between these two rival blocs has been termed ‘Cold War’ or a battle of nerves. It envisaged an era of neither peace nor war between the Soviet Union and its dozen allies on one hand and the United States and a score of its allies on the other hand.

The term ‘Cold War’ was used first of all by Bernard Baruch, an American statesman but was popularised by Prof. Lippman. The term came to be used for describing the situation in which war was not actually fought but a war type hysteria was created. Pt. Nehru described the Cold War as ‘a brain war, a nerve war and a propaganda war’.

Cold War means the war of the nerves. It is not an actual war. It is a war in which the rival States try through all means, short of actual war, to gain supremacy at the cost of the other. One state or bloc tries to gain power and prestige defeating the cause of the other.

Causes of the Origin of the Cold War

The following reasons are given for the Cold War which started between nations of the above two militant power blocs. These blocs began contesting for their success politically and economically with
a view to dominate all the other countries of the world.

1. Mutual distrust during the war. The Western countries on one hand and the Soviet bloc on the other, during the course of the Great War, emphasised their mutual distrust. The Western powers had no doubt sided with Soviet Russia in facing the Nazi attack against Moscow but their friendship could not continue after the end of the War.

The Russian Communists had, as at the very start of their Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, once again renewed their attitude of distrust and contempt against the Western powers. So also the Western powers could not forget the Soviet determination of eliminating the capitalist hold from the countries of the world, of propagating the scope of Russian Communist upsurge all over the world.

2. War strategy of Western countries aimed at containment of Russia even during War. Soviet Russia had in 1942 proposed to the Western powers to open a second front for fighting against the Nazis in Europe. But England and France did not accede to it. They came forward with their counter-resolution of utilizing the U.S. and British forces which were soon to march towards the North of Balkan Peninsula after defeating the Nazis there.

The intentional delay made by the Western allies in opening the Western front on the Baltic against Germany largely proved to Soviet Russia that the Western allies were keeping themselves in utmost alertness to check the expansion of the Soviet Union in the Eastern part of Europe.

3. Efforts at enlarging areas of influence. Soon after the Second World War, both the Soviet Union and the Western countries began to make efforts to enlarge their areas of influence. The Western allies on one hand, and the Soviet Union on the other, started their most effective endeavours of winning over to their own side the chief political parties of the various countries, who had since been engaged in their National Revolutions for emancipation from foreign domination.

4. Secret of atomic weapons disclosed by America to England but not to the Soviet Union. The last but the most important reason for gradual aggravation of Cold War between the Western powers and the Soviet bloc was that America gave the secret of atomic weapons to Great Britain and not to the Soviet Union.

All these reasons considerably widened the gulf of political differences between Soviet Russia and Western allies. The result of that was apparent in the growing jealousy and strained relations of the two power blocs. Their differences became conspicuous in the various international conferences and foreign policies of the States of the world. The allies which had taken up arms against Hitler in the preceding war now arrayed themselves into two camps rival to each other.

U.S.A, Great Britain and France got into one camp to oppose the U.S.S.R. They carried on propaganda against each other through the medium of newspapers, magazines and radio programmes. The world now stood divided between the two armed and militant power-blocs, one of which is the Anglo-American Bloc or the Free World promoting Capitalistic Democracy, popularly known as the Western Camp while the other came to be known by the term Soviet or Communist Democratic Camp or the Eastern Camp.

Question 2.
Read carefully the passage given below and answer the following questions: (C.B.S.E. 2015)

The Cold War was not simply a matter of power rivalries, military alliances, and of the balance of power. These were accompanied by a real ideological conflict as well, a difference over the best and most appropriate way of organizing political, economic and social life all over the world.
(i) Why is a war-like situation called Cold War?
Answer:
The war-like situation is called the Cold War because the term came to be used for describing the situation in which war was not actually fought but a war type hysteria was created. In other words, it refers to a series of propaganda wars, tensions, competitions, and confrontations between the United States and the Soviet Union and their allies.

(ii) Identify one military pact each signed by each of the two superpowers to balance the power rivalries.
Answer:
NATO was established by the U.S.A. and Warsaw Pact was established by the former U.S.S.R.

(iii) Differentiate between the ideologies represented by the rival blocs.
Answer:
The ideologies represented by the western alliance was led by the United States emphasised on liberal democracy and capitalism. While the eastern alliance was led by the Societ Union which followed the ideology of socialism and communism.

Question 3.
Describe the role played by India in keeping the Non-Aligned movement alive and relevant. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
India is one of the founding fathers of NAM. India has always played an effective role in strengthening NAM. For the survival of NAM, India has played a vigorous and active role. Non-aligned continues to be a major principle of India’s foreign policy. Our Prime Ministers like Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Smt. Indira Gandhi has always supported and strengthened the policies of NAM.

The Indian Stewardship during 1983-86, made the NAM more respectable than before. As the chairman of the NAM, India gave strength to the movement by promoting consensus on international issues and problems and by securing the interest of the non-aligned countries. Smt. Indira Gandhi provided dynamism and cohesion to the Non-Aligned Movement. From the early days of NAM to nowadays, India presented a significant initiative for mobilizing wider support for the NAM.

Role of India in every meeting of NAM assumes significance. It has played a key role in the survival of NAM. After the dissolution of the American bloc and Russian bloc, the critics of NAM started arguing about the existence of NAM. But India always supported NAM and during the meeting of the tenth Summit, our then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao asserted that a unipolar world cannot reduce the NAM to a mere bagatelle.

In his address to the meet, he gave a call for a new charter of the NAM for carving out a changed role in NAM. India played a leadership role in the deliberations and decisions of the tenth NAM Summit. During the eleventh NAM Summit, India continued to remain a major NAM exponent.

India continued its faith and support to NAM and has always tried to achieve the aims of NAM. Non-alignment continues to be a major principle of Indian foreign policy. In Feb. 1995, the then Minister of External Affairs Mr Pranab Mukherjee declared India’s full and continued faith in the NAM. In 1996, the short-lived B.J.P. government lost no time in starting India’s continued faith in NAM and its resolve to remain as an active participant in NAM.

In June 1996 the United Front government also announced its commitment to NAM. In April 1997 Prime Minister I.K. Gujral also committed the same. In 1998, the twelfth Non-aligned summit accepted India’s key proposals for a global summit on combating terrorism.

In July 2009, addressing the opening session of the 15th NAM Summit, the Indian Prime Minister described the Non-Aligned Movement as a moral force for the equitable transformation of a world going through the worst economic crisis in living memory. In August 2012, addressing the 16th NAM Summit then Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, strongly pitching for coordinated global actions against international terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, asked NAM to take a lead in this and also take a stand based on universally accepted principles on Syria. In Sept. 2016, 17th, and in Oct 2018, addressing the 18th NAM summit, India, strongly criticized terrorism.

No doubt, India is a motivating spirit behind NAM. It has always supported NAM, its policies, and plans. Every political party that came to rule India bows before NAM and fully supports it. India has played and is still playing an appreciable role in the survival of NAM.

Question 4.
Suppose there had been no Cold N War, how would that situation have affected India’s Foreign Policy? (Imp.) (G.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
India’s foreign policy is based on four major principles i.e., the policy of Non-alignment, Panchsheel, opposition to imperialists and colonialists, and full faith in the principle of the United Nations. In case the Cold War had not taken place and there would have emerged several major powers at the end of Second World War, India’s foreign policy had been affected in the following way:

1. Effect on Policy of Non-alignment. India adopted the policy of non-alignment because, after Second World War, the world was divided into two blocs. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of India’s foreign policy, clearly pointed out that India could not afford to snap its relation with either of the two blocs. So, the policy of Non-alignment was adopted. If there had been no Cold War, there would have been no need of adopting the policy of Non-alignment.

2. Friendly Relations with All States. If there had been no bloc and no Cold War then India would have adopted more friendly relations with all the countries of the world.

3. No Kashmir Problem. Kashmir issue is a major problem between India and Pakistan and this problem became a pending issue due to the Cold War. This problem could have been solved by the United Nations if there had been no Cold War. Due to the Cold War, America always sided with Pakistan.

4. Active Participation in International Politics. If there had been no indifference in the attitude of Pakistan due to the Cold War, India would have more actively participated in International politics.

Question 5.
Explain any three reasons each for the ‘arms race’ as well as the ‘arms control’ during the Cold War. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Following are the main three reasons for the arm-race during the Cold War.
1. Both alliances wanted to keep maximum arms in comparison to each other.
2. Both alliances wanted to have maximum arms as they were afraid of each other.
3. Both alliances wanted to have maximum arms to have control over the opposite alliances.

Following are the three reasons for the arms-control between two alliances during Cold-War.
1. Both alliances realized that there can be any dangerous war in spite of keeping discipline and self-control.
2. Atomic war will cause a big loss to both alliances.
3. War equipment, armaments, and ammunition are costing sufficient to the economic resources of the nations.

Question 6.
What do you mean by this term ‘New International Economic Order’? What are the major themes and issues of the New International Economic Order?
Or
Highlight the circumstances with gave birth to the idea of the New International Economic Order (NIEO) explain any two factors that weekend this initiative. (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Answer:
Since early 1970’s the issue of New International Economic Order has been the frontal issue in international relations involving the developing countries (Third World) on one side and the developed countries (First Two Worlds) on the other side. Developing countries of the Third World made persistent demand for the establishment of the New International Economic Order (NIEO). While the South, again and again, makes a demand for NIEO, the North resists it. The Third World Countries regards the restructuring of the existing international economic order as the only way to get out of its present problems of poverty, scarcity, unemployment, under¬development and economic problems.

Meaning. New International Economic Order constitutes a framework for eliminating the existing era of an international economic system which is mostly catering to the needs and interest of the developed countries to the detriment of the under-developed Third World. The NIEO is based on the assumption that the prevalent international order perpetuates and aggravates international inequalities and that new relationship of interdependence should replace the older patterns of dependence and unequal exchange. NIEO stands for making the international system fairer, just, and equitable by adopting a code of conduct for the developed countries and by accepting the due rights of the ‘underdeveloped countries’. It stands for reducing the gap between the developed countries and the ‘underdeveloped countries’. It seeks to end the existing imbalances and inequalities in the economic relations between the underdeveloped and the developed world.

The NIEO aims at restructuring existing institution and establishing new organisations which will govern the flow of trade, technology and capital resources for the benefit of the whole world in general and the developing countries in particular. The NIEO is a historical attempt to redress some of the inequalities which have their roots in Colonialism. It seeks to secure an equitable and fairer distribution of world income and resources as that can enable both the developed world and the Third World to develop side by side. The NIEO is in many respects a world strategy for non-renewable resources. It seeks to establish a basis for pursuing the goal of economic justice through more equitable access to and distribution of the world’s rules and resources.

Major Themes and Issues of NIEO
The following are the major themes and issues of NIEO:
1. Restructuring of World Economic Relations. The major theme of NIEO is the urgent need for restructuring the world economic relation on a just and reasonable basis. NIEO is basically a demand for more efficient and equitable management of interdependence of the world economy.

2. Institutional Changes. The advocates of NIEO emphasise the restructuring of the existing rules and regulations governing the international economic relations and the formation of new institutions and systems of co-operation among nations.

3. End of Protectionism in International Economy and Trade. The concept of NIEO stands for eliminating the existing system of protectionist trade and policies which is designed by the developed countries to safeguard their interest in international economy and trade.

4Self-Reliance. A major theme of NIEO is self-reliance. The developing countries want to be self-reliant to achieve this objective. They want to achieve a new international economic order with a view of eliminating the existing partial and rich dominated international economic.

Two factors that weakened this initiative:

1. Strong opposition from the developed countries who acted as a united group against NIEO.
2. Non-aligned countries struggled to maintain their unity in the face of this opposition.

Question 7.
How did the two power blocs of the world form their own alliances to become superpowers? Explain with the help of examples. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
The world during the Cold War was sharply divided between two blocs.

These two superpowers were keen on expanding their spheres of influence in different parts of the world. The smaller states as compare to big powers were more interested to link themselves to the superpower for their own interests, protection, weapons, economic aids etc. During the cold-war period, Europe too was divided into two groups. Most countries of Western Europe sided with the US and of eastern Europe sided with the Soviet Union and they are given the name Western and eastern alliances.

International alliances during the Cold War era were determined by the requirements of the superpowers and the calculations of the smaller states. In many cases, these superpowers used their military power to bring smaller countries into their respective alliances NATO, SEATO, and CENTO – military and mutual treaties or alliances were made by the United States of America, whereas the Soviet Union used its influence in eastern Europe known as the Warsaw Pact and also the Soviet Union and communist China made close relations with North Korea, Iraq, and North Vietnam, etc.

Question 8.
Explain the idea of the New International Economic Order (NIEO) for the development of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Highlight any three reforms proposed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 1972 to improve the’ global trading system. (C.B.S.E. 2018)
Or
What is meant by New International Economic Order? Mention any four reforms of the global trading system proposed by UNCTAD in 1972. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
Since the early 1970s, the issue of New International Economic Order has been the frontal issue in international relations involving the developing countries (Third world) on one side and the developed countries (First two worlds) on the other side. Developing countries of the third world made persistent demand for the establishment of the New International Economic Order (NIEO). While the South, again and again, makes a demand for

NIEO, the North resists it. The third world countries regard the restructuring of the existing international economic order as the only way to get out of the present problems of poverty, scarcity, unemployment, under-development and economic problems. NIEO stands for making the international system fairer, just and equitable by adopting a code of conduct for the developed countries and by accepting the due rights of the underdeveloped countries.

It seems to end the existing imbalance and inequalities in the economic relations between the underdeveloped and the developed world.

The NIEO aims at restructuring the existing institution and establishing new organisations which will govern the flow of trade, technology and capital resources for the benefit of the whole world in general and the developing countries in particular. The NIEO is a historical attempt to redress some of the inequalities which have their roots in colonialism.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) brought out a report in 1972 entitled towards a New Trade Policy for Development. The report proposed a reform of the global trading system as follows:

  1. The LDCs (Least Developed Countries) should be given control over their natural resources which are exploited by the developed countries.
  2. The LDCs should be given access to western markets, so that they can sell their products and therefore, make trade more useful for the poorer countries.
  3. Reduce the cost of technology from western countries.
  4. LDCs should be provided a greater role in international economic institutions.

Question 9.
Study the following passage carefully and answer the questions that: follow: (CBSE 2017)

The smaller states in the alliances used the link to the superpowers for their own purposes, they got the promise of protection, weapons and economic aid against their local rivals, mostly regional neighbours with whom they had rivalries. The alliance system led by the two superpowers, therefore, threatened to divide the entire world into two camps. This division happened first in Europe. Most countries of Western Europe sided with the US and those of Eastern Europe joined the Soviet camp. That is why these were also called the ‘western’ and the ‘eastern’ alliances.

(i) Name one organisation each related to the Western’ and the ‘Eastern’ alliances.
Answer:
Most of the countries of Western Europe that sided with the US are called Western or NATO and those of Eastern Europe join with the Soviet Union are known as WARSAW Pact.

(ii) Why were the smaller states interested in joining the super alliances?
Answer:
The smaller states in the alliances used the link to themselves with Super Powers for their own purposes. They got the promise of protection, weapons, and economic acids against their local rivals or regional neighbors with whom they and rivalries.

(iii) How did the ‘alliance system’ threaten to divide the world?
Answer:
Most of the countries of Western Europe sided with the US and of Eastern Europe joined the Soviet Camp. This divided the entire world into two groups. The alliance system led by the two superpowers threatened world peace and gave birth to the cold-war.

Question 10.
Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions: (C.B.S.E. 20IS)

Non-alignment as a strategy evolved in the Cold War context With the disintegration of USSR and the end of Cold War in 1991 non-alignment, both, as an international movement and as the core of India’s foreign policy, lost some of its earlier relevance and effectiveness.
(i) Why did India adopt non¬alignment?
Answer:
India adopted non-alignment in order to secure the territorial integrity, and promote rapid economic development and advocate peaceful coexistence.

(ii) Explain any two reasons for the loss of its relevance by the Non-Aligned Movement.
Answer:
(a) Disintegration of USSR
(b) The end of the Cold War in 1991.

(iii) How far do you agree that the Non-aligned Movement has become an international movement?
Answer:
Non-Alignment has become an international movement as with the disintegration of USSR
and the end of the Cold War in 1991. In 1961, it has 25 members, whereas now the number is increased to 120. It tried to solve regional and international problems through discussions and solutions.

Question 11.
How far is it correct to say the international alliances during the Cold War era were determined by the requirements of the superpower and? the calculations of the smaller states? \ Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:
The international alliances during the Cold War era were determined by the requirements of the superpower.
For examples:

  1. The smaller countries were helpful to the superpowers in gaining access to natural resources such as oil and minerals.
  2. The smaller countries were helpful for the superpowers in gaining access to territory, from where the superpowers could launch their weapons and troops.
  3. The superpowers could gain access to locations from where they could spy on each other.
  4. The smaller countries together could help pay for military expenses.

Thus, the smaller countries were helpful to the superpowers in gaining their personal benefits. For example:

  • The smaller countries got security from the superpowers against their local territorial opposing nations.
  • The smaller countries got weapons and economic-help from these superpowers also.

Question 12.
Name the five founder leaders of NAM along with the countries they belong to which three factors were the culmination of the non-aligned summit of 1961 in Belgrade? (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:

Name of the leader Name of the Countries
1. Josip Broz Tito 1. Yugoslavia
2. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru 2. India
3. Gamal Abdel Nasser 3. Egypt
4. Sukarno 4. Indonesia
5. Kwame Nkrumah 5. Ghana

The first Non-aligned summit was held in Belgrade in 1961. The first NAM Summit was the culmination of the following three factors:

  • Increasing cold war tension and its widening arenas.
  • Many new decolonized African countries became members of NAM. By 1960, there were 16 New African members in the U.N.
  • Co-operation among five countries.

Question 13.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: (C.B.S.E. 2017)

In the event of a nuclear war, both sides will be so badly harmed that it will be impossible to declare one side or the other as the winner, even if one of them tries to attack and disable the nuclear weapons of its rival, the other would still be left with enough nuclear weapons to inflict unacceptable destruction. Both sides have the capacity to retaliate against an attack and to cause so much destruction that neither can afford to initiate war. Thus, the cold war – in spite of being an intense form of rivalry between great powers – remained a ‘cold’ and not hot or shooting war. The deterrence relationship prevents war but not the rivalry between powers.
(i) Why did intense rivalry between the super-powers remains a cold war only?
Answer:
Both sides have the capacity to retaliate against an attack. Both were having enough nuclear weapons to inflict disastrous destruction.

(ii) Why can’t a nuclear war between the two nuclear powers be decisive?
Answer:
In a nuclear war, both sides will be so badly harmed that it will be impossible to declare either as the winner. The nuclear weapons will inflict unacceptable destruction to both sides that neither can afford to initiate war.

(iii) Explain the logic of ‘deterrence’.
Answer:
In an event of a nuclear war, both sides will be badly harmed. Both sides have the capacity to retaliate against an attack and to cause so much destruction that neither can afford to initiate war. this ‘deterrence’ relationship prevents the war.

Question 14.
How did India play a crucial role in the Non-aligned Movement during the Cold War period? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Or
Describe the crucial role played by India in the NAM during the cold war period. (C.B.S.E. Sample Paper 2018)
Answer:
India is one of the founding fathers of NAM. India has always played an effective role in strengthening NAM. For the survival of NAM, India has played a vigorous and active role. Non-aligned continues to be a major principle of India’s foreign policy. Our Prime Ministers like Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Smt. Indira Gandhi has always supported and strengthened the policies of NAM.

The Indian Stewardship during 1983-86, made the NAM more respectable than before. As the chairman of the NAM, India gave strength to the movement by promoting consensus on international issues and problems and by securing the interest of the non-aligned countries. Smt. Indira Gandhi provided dynamism and cohesion to the Non-Aligned Movement. From the early days of NAM to nowadays, India presented a significant initiative for mobilizing wider support for the NAM.

Role of India in every meeting of NAM assumes significance. It has played a key role in the survival of NAM. After the dissolution of the American bloc and Russian bloc, the critics of NAM started arguing about the existence of NAM. But India always supported NAM and during the meeting of the tenth Summit, the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao asserted that a unipolar world cannot reduce the NAM to a mere bagatelle. In his address to the meet, he gave a call for a new charter of the NAM for carving out a changed role in NAM. India played a leadership role in the deliberations and decisions of the tenth NAM Summit. During the eleventh NAM Summit, and there on India continued to remain a major NAM exponent.

India continued its faith and support to NAM and has always tried to achieve the aims of NAM. Non¬alignment continues to be a major principle of Indian foreign policy.

Question 15.
Read the passage given below carefully and answer the following questions (C.B.S.E. 2018)

The ‘Cuban Missile Crisis’ was a high point of what came to be known as the Cold War. The Cold War referred to the competitions, the tensions and a series of confrontations between the United States of America and the Soviet Union backed by their respective allies. Fortunately, however, it never escalated into a ‘hot war’.
(а) Explain the meaning of ‘hot war’.
Answer:
Hot war means a destructive war between the two rivals. Hot war or destructive war cause to death of hundred of living and loss of property.

(b) Why was the ‘Cuban Missile Crisis’ considered as the high point of the Cold War?
Answer:
The ‘Cuban Missile crisis’ considered as the high point of the war because this incident brought the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. to the edge of the Nuclear War.

(c) “Ideological conflict was also a cause of the Cold War.” How far do you agree with the statement?
Answer:
Yes, ideological conflict was also a cause of the cold war, because both countries try to expand their ideology in the world.

Question 16.
Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows:

It is important to remember that India chose to involve other members of the non-aligned group in this mission of reducing tension. During the Cold War, India repeatedly tried to activate those regional and international organizations, which were not a part of alliances led by the US and the USSR. Nehru reposed great faith in ‘a genuine commonwealth of free and co-operating nations’ that would play a positive role in softening, if not ending, the Cold War’.
(i) Explain the meaning of the Cold War.
Answer:
For this, see S.A.T. Question No. 1.

(ii) Explain India’s response to the then-ongoing Cold War.
Answer:
For this, see Textbook Question No. 8.

(iii) Highlight any two features of India’s policy of Non-alignment. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
(a) India was not a member of any bloc.
(b) India’s is non-aligned policy emphasis on cordial relations among developing countries.

Question 17.
Explain the formation and importance of NATO, Warsaw Pact and SEATO during the Cold War period. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
1. NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was established in April 1949. It bound the U.S.A. to the defense of Western Europe. It also called the Atlantic Alliance or Western Alliance was an association of twelve states which declared that armed attack on any one of them would be regarded as an attack on all of them. NATO was a U.S. sponsored military alliance and at present consists of 26 countries including the U.S.A. and European countries.

2. Warsaw Pact: The Warsaw Treaty Organisation came into existence nine days after West Germany’s entry as a full member into the NATO. The U.S.S.R. took the initiative in the establishment of Warsaw Pact which came into existence in May 1955. Warsaw Pact was a treaty of friendship, co-operation and mutual assistance. The treaty was signed for a period of 20 years. Its doors were open to all European states. The main aim of the Warsaw Pact was to counter the impact and influence of NATO.

3. SEATO: Southeast Asian Treaty Organisation (SEATO) was established in 1954. It was a military organization and its members are Australia, France, Britain, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand, and the U.S.A, etc. main aim of this organization to prevent the U.S.S.R is an expansion in this area.

Question 18.
Describe briefly the Cuban missile crisis. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Cuba was an ally of the Soviet Union. In April 1961, the leaders of U.S.S.R. were worried that the U.S.A. would invade Communist-ruled Cuba and overthrow Fidel Castro, the President of Cuba.

Nikita Khrushchev, the leader of U.S.S.R. placed nuclear missiles in Cuba. America was threatened by Soviet Union missiles and therefore President John F. Kennedy and his advisers were determined to get Khrushchev to remove the missiles and nuclear weapons from Cuba. President Kennedy ordered American warships to intercept any Soviet Union ships heading to Cuba. A conflict between two big powers was imminent and this crisis was known as Cuba Missile Crisis.

During the time the member states of OAS were readying their support for the naval quarantine, there took place an exchange of letters between President Kennedy and Khrushchev, Kennedy and U. Thant, the acting Secretary-General of the United Nations. Ultimately, the threat of a nuclear war was averted. In this crisis. President Kennedy and Soviet leader Khrushchev played an effective role.

The Cold War Era Important Extra Questions HOTS

Question 1.
Give reasons why the smaller States in alliances in the Cold War era, used the link to the superpowers.
Answer:
The smaller States in alliance used the link to with the superpowers for their own benefit. The smaller states got the promise of security and protection. They also got the promise of economic aid, weapons and support.

Question 2.
What is the Warsaw Pact?
Answer:
The Warsaw Treaty Organisation came into existence nine days after West Germany’s entry as a full member into the NATO. The U.S.S.R. took the initiative in the establishment of Warsaw Pact which came into existence in May 1955. Warsaw Pact was a treaty of friendship, co-operation and mutual assistance. The treaty was signed for a period of 20 years. Its doors were open to all European states. The main aim of the Warsaw Pact was to counter the impact and influence of NATO.

Question 3.
What was the result of the Second World War between the Allied Powers and Axis Powers?

Answer:
In the Second World War, Allied forces led by the U.S.A., U.S.S.R., Great Britain and France defeated Axis powers led by Germany, Italy and Japan.

Question 4.
Who was Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru?
Answer:
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964) was the first Prime Minister of independent India. Pt. Nehru had full faith in the principles of Panchsheel. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru advocated peaceful existence for securing international peace. He is known as the architect of India’s foreign policy. It was Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru who filled life and zeal to the movement of non-alignment.

Question 5.
Why did India not join either NATO or SEATO?
Answer:
India did not join either NATO or SEATO because India followed a policy of Non-alignment. India remained independent by not joining any group.

Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems Class 12 Important Extra Questions Geography Chapter 12

Here we are providing Class 12 Geography Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 12 Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems. Geography Class 12 Important Questions are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 12 Important Extra Questions Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems

Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
In which town, do vehicles emit most carbon-monoxide ?
Answer:
Delhi.

Question 2.
What is the volume of polluted water flowing in Ganga river daily ?
Answer:
87.3 crore litre.

Question 3.
How many leather tanneries are located along the Ganga hanks ?
Answer:
150.

Question 4.
Name two sources of Air Pollution.
Answer:
Volcanoes and industries.

Question 5.
Name a gas which depletes Ozone gas.
Answer:
CFC—Chlorofluorocarbon.

Question 6.
Classify pollution into three main types.
Answer:
Pollution can be classified into three categories on the basis of medium of transportation of the pollutants:

  • Air pollution
  • Water pollution
  • Land pollution.

Question 7.
What is the total number of two- wheelers in India.
Answer:
117 crores (2010-11).

Question 8.
What is Smog ?
Answer:
Smog is smoky fog in urban industrial cities when carbondioxide freezes over smoke.

Question 9.
Name the Anthropogenic sources of pollution.
Answer:
Industrial sources, urban source, agricultural sources, cultural sources.

Question 10.
Name the two polluted rivers of India.
Answer:
Ganga and Yamuna.

Question 11.
Name the cultural sources of pollution.
Answer:
Pilgrimages, religious fairs, tourism.

Question 12.
How much area is under land erosion in India ?
Answer:
13 crore hectares.

Question 13.
Which areas have become alkaline and saline and why ?
Answer:
Northern India due to over-irrigation.

Question 14.
Name the ill-effects of use of chemical fertilisers.
Answer:
It destroys the micro-organisms of the soils.

Question 15.
What is the cause of acid-rain? (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
Sulphur emitted from factories.

Question 16.
How can urban waste become a resource?
Answer:
When it is used for generating energy and compost.

Question 17.
Which type of pollution causes various diseases related to the respiratory system? (Sample Paper 1)
Answer:
Air pollution

Question 18.
Name the two cities of U.P. that are mainly responsible for pollutions the river Ganga. (C.B.S.E. 2011)
(Sample Paper 2)
Answer:
Kanpur and Varanasi.

Question 19.
Mention any two cultural activities responsible for water pollution in India. (C.B.S.E. 2009) (Sample Paper 2017-18)
Answer:
(i) Religious fairs
(ii) Tourism.

Question 20.
Which is the main source of water borne diseases in India? Name one water borne disease. (C.B.S.E. 2009)
Answer:
Contaminated water is the main source of water borne diseases. Hepatitis is a water borne disease.

Question 21.
Name the two states of India which have less than five percent of population below poverty line.
Answer:
Goa (4.40% poverty) and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1% poverty) are the two states having less than 5% population below poverty line.

Question 22.
Why Swachh Bharat Mission is launched ?
Answer:
This is apart of the urban renewals mission by the government of India. SBM is launched to improve that quality of life in urban slums.

Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

uestion 1.
Mention three criterias used for identi¬fying pollution.
Answer:
(i) Disposal of Human wastes.
(ii) Damages caused by disposal wastes.
(iii) Effect of damage caused.

Question 2.
What is the difference between pollution and pollutants ?
Answer:
Pollution means degradation of air, land, water. It deteriorates our resources. Pollutants are matter causing degradation and pollution of ecosystem.

Question 3.
Give two examples of River pollution.
Answer:
Pollution of Rivers. With rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, huge quantities of waste water enter rivers. About 873 million litres per day (mid) of waste water drained into the Ganga before the Ganga Action Plan was initiated. The Sabarmati, a small river, alone receives 998 mid of dirty water from the city of Ahmedabad.

Question 4.
Explain any five objectives of ‘Namami Gange Programme’. (Outside Delhi 2019)
Answer:
Ganga river has national importance but this river needs cleaning by effectively controlling the pollution. The water of this river is polluted ‘Namami Gange Programme’ has launched by union government.

Objectives of Namami Gange Programme are:

  • Motive to develop sewerage treatment system in towns.
  • Objective of creating awarness in public to avoid adding pollutants in to the water of the river. People because of their own rituals do so.
  • Objective of development of Ganga Grams in the areas of Uttarakhand, U.P., Jharkhand, Bihar and W.B.
  • Industrial pollution from towns also a serious problem for the river. So monitoring of industrial effluents is also a major objective of the programme.
  • Domestic wastes from urban centres also a serious problem so cleaning of the surface of the river is also a good objective.

Question 5.
Mention any two source of land pollution in India. (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
(i) Human and animal excreta.
(ii) Use of pesticides and fertilisers.

Question 6.
Describe any three problems of slums in India. (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
(i) There is a lack of basic amenities like toilet, safe drinking water, electricity, etc., in slums.
(ii) People are prone to diseases and illness as they are malnourished.
(iii) Poverty makes people vulnerable to drug abuse, alcoholism, crime and exclusion from society.

Question 7.
Describe the effects of air pollution. (C.B.S.E. 2011)
Or
How is air pollution harmful ?
Or
Explain any three different cause’s of air pollution. (Outside Delhi 2019)
Or
“Air pollution is very harmful to flora, fauna and property. Explain any three values which can help in maintaining pollution free air to some extent. (C.B.S.E. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Effects of air pollution. The air pollution modifies weather and climate, effects human health and biotic community.
(1) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) cause depletion of ozone layer which enable ultraviolet rays of the sun to reach the earth and increase atmospheric temperature.

(2) Increased concentration of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere causes greenhouse effect raising the atmosphere temperature.

(3) Smoky fog over cities called as urban smog is caused by these gases. It proves very harmful to human health.

(4) Air pollution can also cause acid rains.

(5) Rainwater analysis of urban environment has indicated that pH value of the first rain after summer is always lower than the subsequent rains. Studies conducted by NEERI show that the minimum pH of 4.5 was in Kochi, while the average pH of all rains at all the urban agglomerations ranged from 6.2 to 7.6.

Question 8.
Name the Industrial wastes causing water pollution.
Answer:
Though water pollutants are also created from natural sources (erosion, landslides, decay and decomposition of plants and animals, etc.) pollutants from anthropogenic sources are the real causes of concern. They include industrial sources, urban source, agricultural source, cultural source, etc.

Industries produce several undesirable products including industrial wastes, polluted waste water, poisonous gases, chemical residuals, numerous heavy metals, dust, smoke, etc. Most of the industrial wastes are disposed off in running water. Consequently, poisonous elements reach the reservoirs, rivers and other water bodies which destroy the biosystem of these waters. Major water polluting industries are leather, pulp and paper, textiles and chemicals.

Question 9.
How is air pollution harmful ? Explain any three different causes of air pollution.
Answer:
Air pollution is harmful. Air pollution results into the spread of diseases related to lungs, skin and throat etc. Air pollution also causes acid rain which damages human health. The ozone layer is depleted by the chlorofluorocarbon and great shrinkage in the glacier.

Causes of air pollution:
(i) Natural Resources: Such as volcanic eruption, dust, strom, fires etc.

(ii) Factories: Factories cause smoke, ash.

(iii) Automobiles: Automobilies release carbon monoxide & lead in the atmosphere. Transport and farming are the main actions that have been directly linked to emissions. Forest fires and the burning of living, or recently living organisms, represent a further major sources of emission.

Question 10.
Name the diseases caused by air and water pollution. (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
Air pollution causes diseases of lungs, heart, nervous and circulatory systems. A study conducted in the ambient air of Kolkata (in 1994) concluded that three out of every ten persons in the city suffered from some kind of respiratory diseases that cough, bronchitis and allergic-rhinitis which were associated with concentrations of suspended particulate matter.

The diseases commonly caused due to contaminated water are diarrhoea, trachoma, intestinal worms, hepatitis, etc. Recent World Bank and World Health Organisation data shows that about one-fourth of the communicable diseases in India are water-borne.

Question 11.
Compare the water pollution in Ganga and Yamuna Rivers.
Answer:

Ganga River Yamuna River
1. Polluted stretches
2. Nature of pollution
(a) Downstream of Kanpur.
(b) Downstream of Varanasi.
(c) Farrakka barrage to Allahabad.
1. Industrial pollution from towns like Kanpur.
2. Domestic wastes from urban centres.
3. Dumping of carcasses in the river.
(a) Delhi to confluence with Chambal.
(b) Mathura and Agra.
1. Extraction of water by Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for irrigation.
2. Agricultural run off resulting in high levels of micro-pollutants in the Yamuna.
3. Domestic and indus- trial waste of Delhi flowing into the river.

Question 12.
Write a note on Land Pollution.(C.B.S.E. 2011)
Ans.
Land Pollution. Land pollution encompasses the degradation and pollution of soil and vegetative cover. Deterioration in the quality of soil occurs because of

  • soil erosion
  • reduction in plant nutrients
  • decline in soil micro-organisms
  • lack of moisture
  • concentration of various harmful elements, etc.

Erosion is caused by natural and human factors. Deforestation, overgrazing and improper use of land also accelerates soil erosion. It is estimated that 130 million hectares of land is affected by erosion problems in the country. Shifting agriculture alone has affected about 30 million hectares.

Besides erosion, salinisation and flooding caused due to construction of dams, reservoirs, canals and tanks in geologically unsuitable areas, excessive use of canal irrigation and diversion of floodwater in areas of impervious rocks also reduce the potentiality of land. Because of over-irrigation, saline and alkaline areas have increased in the northern plains of the country.

Irrigation also changes the structure of the soil. Besides, use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, insecticides and herbicides degrade the soil by destroying their natural- physical, chemical and biological properties. Chemical fertilisers destroy micro-organisms of the soil, which are agents of nitrogen conversion in the soil.

They increase sterility and reduce water-holding capacity of soil. They also leave their traces in crops, which act as slow poison for human beings. Similarly, organic phosphate compounds used to kill insects can stay for longer time in soils destroying micro-organism.

Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Describe urbanisation in India and discuss its problems.
Answer:
Urbanisation. Many Geographers have defined urbanisation.

  • According to Griffith Taylor: Urbanisation is a shift of people from village to city.
  • According to G.T. Trewartha: The urbanisation process denotes an increase in the fraction of a population which is urban.

According to changing Political, Social and Economic conditions, the human settlements have been developing. Rural settlements were changed to urban settlements. Therefore urbanisation is a process in which rural settlement, change to urban settlements. According to E.E. Bergel, “The process of change of villages to towns is known as urbanisation. ”

Nature and Trends of Urbanisation in India
In India, urbanisation has not developed on a large scale. The size of urban population is large, India has the second largest urban population in the world, but the percentage of urban population is only 31.6%.

It is small as compared to urban population of 82.6% in USA, 91.7% in Japan, 74% in Russia, 89.3% in Australia and 86.3% in New Zealand. China has 51.8% urban population. During the last 100 years, the urban population is increasing in India. It has increased from 11% to 31.16% in 2011. The total urban population was 2-6 crores in 1901. It has increased 11 times now.

Year Total Urban Population (million)  % of Total Increase %
1901 25.8 11.0
1911 25.9 10.4 6.35
1921 28.1 11.3 8.22
1931 33.5 12.1 19.14
1941 44.1 14.1 31.97
1951 62.4 17.6 41.38
1961 79.0 18.2 26.41
1971 109.1 20.2 38.23
1981 159.7 23.3 46.02
1991 212.8 25.7 36.02
2001 285.3 27.7 31.33
2011 377.1 31.16 31.8

Problems of Slums and Urban waste : Many problems have arisen due to increasing population and urbanisation. The problems of slums and disposal of urban waste are the two main problems.

Slums: There is a shortage of space in towns. The increasing population creates housing problems. Multi-storeyed buildings are being constructed to solve it. Generally, push and pull factors force the people to migrate to towns.

These people move in search of employment. In towns, the housing facility is costlier. The people construct huts on the vacant land outside the towns. There is dense population in such slums. There is no facility for water-drainage and disposal of urban waste. People’s standard of living is very low. The administration has taken many steps to provide facilities to these areas, yet these slums suffer from many diseases.

According to 2001 census, data was collected regarding slums. This population is known as the slum population. About 4 crore 3 lakh people live in slums. This covers a population of 22.6% of towns, with the result 1/4 of urban population lives in slums. The maximum number of slums are found in Maharashtra and have a population of 1,06,40,000.

The maximum slum population in towns is found in Mumbai with a population of 48.8 per cent. Patna has only 0.25 percent slum population. Meghalaya has the highest percentage (41.33%) and Kerala has the lowest percentage (1.81%) of slum population.

Disposal of urban waste : Another problem in urban areas is the domestic sewage. This urban waste leads to water pollution. The urban waste, the animal waste and the industrial waste material is deposited in heaps over land due to which the land becomes unsuitable for other uses. This waste creates many health problems. The urban waste thrown in rivers and streams cause water pollution.

The waters of river Ganga and Yamuna have been polluted in this way. The towns located along the banks of these rivers use their water as drinking water. The polluted water affects animals living in rivers and spreads many diseases like Hepatitus, Typhoid, Dysentery, etc. which affects human health.

Question 2.
Write a note on Environmental pollution in India.
Answer:
Environment: Environment is the sum total of a set of surroundings that affect the development and life of organisms. It includes natural as well as cultural environment.

Environmental Pollution : Environmental pollution has become a serious problem for mankind. It is threatening the existence of mankind. The composition of air is being altered by undesirable chemical, physical and biological elements. It is known as air pollution.

Atmospheric pollution is as old as civilisation. The use of fire caused gases, smoke, ash. With the development of Industrialisation, the natural composition of the earth atmosphere is gradually degrading. It has damaged the environment. The atmospheric pollution has endangered the existing and future generations.

Pollutants : The common pollutants found in air are as follows:

  • Deposited matter like Soot, Smoke, tandust.
  • Gases like sulphur, Carbon-monoxide, Nitrogen oxide, Ammonia, Fluorine, etc.
  • Chemical Compounds : Like arenes, Phosgenes, detergents.
  • Metals like lead, Iron, zinc, mercury.
  • Sewage
  • Radio-active Substances.
  • Noise and heat.

Atmospheric Pollution. Atmosphere is of fundamental importance for our existence. Due to industrial revolution, the atmospheric pollution is increasing gradually. The effect of atmospheric pollution is not local but regional. The whole of atmosphere is affected. It has harmed ultra-violet shielding ozone layer. The addition of heat-trapping green house gases will cause a disaster.

Air-Pollution by Natural Agents : The volcanic eruptions, forest fires, natural decay of organic and in organic matter is causing air pollution. These cause smoke, ash, gases in atmosphere. These, reduce visibility. Smoke is injurious to health. Acid rain has changed the composition of air and water.

Human activities : The burning of fuels and chemicals is increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in atmosphere. It has increased by 25%. With the result, the average temperature of the earth is increasing. It has increased by 0.3°C to 0.7°C during the last century. Deforestation has also lead to increase in carbon dioxide. The increasing use of fuels in vehicles has increased the amount of sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and has created many respiratory diseases.

Atmosphere is of fundamental importance for human health. Most of the countries of the world have enacted laws to check air pollution. Only a healthy nation can utilize its natural resources.

Water pollution : Water is another indispensable source of our life. Pollution of water has caused far- reaching implications. It is a serious problem in metropolitans like Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. It not only affects the water of rivers, tanks and lakes; but also ocean water. The following factors affect water pollution:

  • Domestic sewage
  • Industrial wastes
  • Agricultural activities
  • Thermal pollution
  • Marine pollution.

Land Pollution: Land is one of the most important components of life support system. Land is degrading due to over use from centuries. Depletion of land is caused by :

  • Soil erosion
  • Pollutants.

Soil erosion is active on steep slopes and areas devoid of vegetation. Torrential rainfall also washes away fertile layer of soil. Ravines or gullies are caused. Deforestation, over grazing has also led to soil erosion. The effect of soil erosion is a serious problem in agricultural countries.

The accumulation of pollutants on land makes it unsuitable for other uses. The impact of soil erosion on ecological system is visible in Siwalik hills where the harm has been done by chos.

Question 3.
Describe the major problems I associated with urban water disposal in India. (C.B.S.E. 2011)
Answer:
Urban Waste Disposal Problems. The environmental problems of cities include water, air and noise pollution and disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes.

Problems. Lack of sewers or other means to dispose off human excretes safely and the inadequacy of garbage collection services adds to water pollution because many of the uncollected wastes are washed into streams. The dumping of industrial waste into rivers is a major cause of industrial waste into rivers is a major cause of water pollution. River pollution from city-based industries and untreated sewage leads to serious health problems downstream.

Increase in urban wastes.
Solid waste generation continues to increase in both absolute and per capita terms in cities. It is estimated that per capita waste generation increased from 375 gm/day to 490 gm/day during 1971-1997 in urban areas of the country. This increase along with the population increase has tremendously swollen up the figuers of total waste generation quantum. The amount of total wastes has increased from 14.9 Tonnes per day to 48. Tonnes per day.

III effects of urban waste : At the same time, the composition of solid waste changes from biodegradable organic material to plastic and other synethetic materials, which take much longer time to decompose. When this solid waste is not collected and disposed off efficiently and effectively, it attracts rodents and flies which spread diseases. It also pollutes and degrades land and water resources.

Table. India: Composition of Solid Wastes from Cities (in Percentage)

Year/Components         Paper Plastics Metals Glass Rags Ash and fine earth Total
degradable
1971-73 (40 cities) 4,14 0.69 0.60 0.40 3.83 49.20 41.24
1995 (23 cities) 5.78 3.90 1.10 2.10 3.50 40.30 41.80

It is evident from the above Table that shares of plastics, glass and metals increased remarkably through time. Plastics recorded five-fold jump within twenty years. Most of these do not have a good recycling value and hence are disposed off by municipalities as part of the kitchen waste.

Harmful for Health.
Inability to collect solid waste is a serious problem. In metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. about 90 per cent of the solid waste is collected. But in most of the cities and towns about 30 to 50 per cent of the waste generated are left uncollected which accumulate on streets, in open spaces between houses and in wasteland, contributing to serious health hazards.

It is remarkable that both formal and informal sectors are involved in collection of solid waste, yet the problem of urban waste disposal remains unsolved. These wastes should be treated as Resource and utilized for generating energy and comfort.

Effect on ground water. About 90 percent of the municipal water collected by the civic authorities is dumped in low-lying areas outside the city/town limit, without any provision for treatment. As a result, heavy metals find their way to the underground water rendering it unfit for drinking. Untreated wastes ferment slowly and release noxious biogas to the atmosphere, including methane (65 to 75 per cent) which is a green house gas and which has a global warming potential 34 times more than carbon dioxide.

Question 4.
Explain soil erosion, salinisation and water logging problems.
Answer:
1. Irrigation. Because of our irrigation, saline areas increased in northern planes of country. Irrigation also changes the structure of the soil.

2. Use of chemicals. Besides, use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, insecticides and herbicides degrades the soil by destroying their natural, physical, chemical and biological properties.

3. Use of fertilisers. Chemical fertilisers destroy micro-organisms of the soil, which are agents of nitrogen conversion in the soil. They increase sterility and reduce water-holding capacity of the soil. They also leave their traces in crops, which act as slow poison for human beings.

4. Use of pesticides. Similarly, organic phosphate compounds used to kill insects can stay for longer time in soils destroying micro-organisms.

5. Industrial wastes. Improper disposal of industrial and urban wastes, and irrigation of agricultural fields with polluted urban sewage water near urban and industrial areas degrade the soil. The toxic chemical substances of industrial effluents and urban sew’age enter the soil mostly in their neighbourhoods and pollute them.

6. Pollutants emitted by chimneys. Besides gaseous and solid pollutants emitted by the factory chimneys are transported by winds. These pollutants containing toxic substances, are deposited on soils and pollute them.

7. Acid Rain. Sulphur emitted from factories cause acid rains which increases the acidity of the soils. Pollutant from cement factories like klins, coal mining and transport vehicles, thermal power plants, etc., also pollute the soils on a large scale.

Question 5.
Describe the air pollution caused by automobiles. Give examples for four metro- politons.
Answer:
The vehicles which use leaded fuel, account for about 95% of air borne lead pollution. The growth of number of motor vehicles in the last three decades has been almost 32 times. In 1997-98, there were 0.53 million buses, 2.53 million trucks, 28.24 million two- wheelers, 1.34 million auto rickshaws and 5.05 million cars, jeep and taxis.

Urban air quality has generally deteriorated throughout India. The reasons are absence of pollution abatement and rising number of motor vehicles that use leaded fuels. The annual mean concentration trends for the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) for some cities observed various atmospheric pollutants. From figures,
(1) it is clear that nitrogen dioxide concentraton trend is stabilising for Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai
(2) sulphur dioxide concentrations are decreasing in Delhi but still increasing in Mumbai and Kolkata.
(3) Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) concentrations have somewhat increased in all these cities.

City SPM
Dioxide
Sulphur
nitrogen
Oxide of Hydrocarbons
monoxide
Carbon Total
Delhi 8.58 7.47 105.38 207.98 542.51 872
Mumbai 4.66 3.36 59.02 90.17 391.6 549
Bengaluru 2.18 1.47 21.85 65.42 162.8 254
Kolkata 2.17 3.04 45.58 36.67 156.87 245

Table. India: Estimated Vehicular Emission Load in certain Metropolitan Cities
(Vehicular Pollution Load tonne per day)

Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems Important Extra Questions HOTS

Question 1.
‘Land Degradation is caused by human made processes are more harmful than natural processes in India.’ Analyse the statement with suitable examples. (C.B.S.E. 2009)
Answer:
Land degration caused by man-made processes amounts to 5.58% of the total rate of degradation. It is more than land degraded by natural sources (2.4%). Wastelands are formed due to shifting cultivation, planation crops, degraded forests and pastures, mining and industrial wastelands.

Question 2.
Why is the ‘Urban Waste Disposal’ a serious problem in India? Explain any three reasons. (Delhi 2019) (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
Urban waste disposal is a serious problem in India-

  • Solid waste cause health hazard and spread diseases like Typhoid, Diphtheria, Diarrhoea, Malaria, and Cholera.
  • The dumping of industrial waste into rivers leads to water pollution.
  • Untreated wastes ferment slowly and release toxic gases into the atmosphere including Methane.

Question 3.
Explain the reasons for the coming up of slums in developing countries like India with suitable examples.
(Sample Paper 2018-19)
Answer:
Slums are clusters of shanty structures. These are inhabited by those people who are forced to migrate from the rural areas to these urban centres in search of livelihood but are not able to afford proper housing due to high rents. They occupy environmentally incompatible and degraded areas. Developing countries like India face this problem at a large scale. For e.g., Dharavi, Asia is largest slum in a striking example of the same.

Water Resources Class 12 Important Extra Questions Geography Chapter 6

Here we are providing Class 12 Geography Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 6 Water Resources. Geography Class 12 Important Questions are the best resource for students which helps in class 12 board exams.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 Important Extra Questions Water Resources

Water Resources Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
State three reasons for scarcity of water and declining availability of water.
Answer:
(i) Increasing demand
(ii) Over-utilisation
(iii) Pollution.

Question 2.
Name four sources of surface water.
Answer:
Rivers, Lakes, Tanks, Ponds.

Question 3.
What is the total number of rivers in India (with a length more than 1.6 km) ?
Answer:
10360.

Question 4.
State three states with high use of groundwater.
Answer:
Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu.

Question 5.
Mention any two sources of water pollution by human beings in India. (Sample Paper 2018-19)
Answer:
(1) Urban sources—-sewage, municipal and domestic garbage.
(2) The disposal of industrial effluents into water.

Question 6.
Which element has concentrated in water in Maharashtra ?
Ans:
Fluoride.

Question 7.
What do you mean by clean water ?
Answer:
When water is without unwanted foreign substances.

Question 8.
Which three programmes have been started under Watershed Management ?
Answer:
Haryali, Neeru-Meeru, Arvary Pani Sansad.

Question 9.
When was Water Prevention Act passed ?
Answer:
In 1974.

Question 10.
Name any two water conservation techniques adopted in India. (Sample Paper 2018-19)
Answer:
Rainwater harvesting arid Watershed management.

Question 11.
How can you help in improving the quality of water in your locality ?
Answer:
We can improve the quality of water in our locality.
(i) Disposal of Garbages and Municipal Sewages in proper place not directly into the rivers, lakes or ponds.
(ii) Recycle the industrial effluents before its entering in the river.

Water Resources Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Describe the ground water resources in India.
Answer:
Groundwater Resources. The total replenishable groundwater resources in the country are about 432 cubic km. The Ganga and the Brahmaputra basins have about 46 percent of the total replenishable groundwater resources. The level of groundwater utilisation is relatively high in the river basins lying in north-western region and parts of south India.

Question 2.
‘What are positive effects of irrigation ?
Answer:

  • Provision of irrigation makes multiple cropping possible.
  • It has also been found that irrigated lands have higher agricultural productivity than unirrigated land.
  • The high yielding varieties of crops need regular moisture supply, which is made possible only by developed irrigation systems.
  • This is why that green revolution strategy of agriculture development in the country has largely been successful in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Question 3.
How do human beings pollute the water through industrial and agricultural activities? Explain. (Outside Delhi 2019)
Answer:
Industries produce several undesirable products which pollute water bodies. Major water polluting industries are leather, pulp and paper, textiles and chemicals. Industrial wastes, polluted waste water, poisonous gases, chemicals, metals dust are disposed off in running water. The poisonous elements reach the rivers and water bodies which pollute the bio system of these waters.

India has traditionally been an agrarian economy and about two-third of its population has been dependent on agriculture. Irrigation is needed because of spatio-temporal variability in rainfall in the country and pollute water. Some pollutants also seep into earth and pollute the groundwater.

Question 4.
Punjab and Haryana states have adequate water resources, but groundwater table has gone lower. Why ?
Answer:
In Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh more than 85 percent of their net sown area is under irrigation. Wheat and rice are grown mainly with the help of irrigation in these states. Of the total net irrigated area 76.1 percent in Punjab and 51.3 percent in Haryana are irrigated through wells and tube wells. This shows that these states utilise large proportion of their groundwater potential which has resulted in groundwater depletion in these states.

Question 5.
“Indiscriminate use of water by- increasing population and industrial expansion has led to degradation of the water quality considerably in India.” Explain the values that can help in maintaining the quality of water. (CBSE2018)
Answer:
Water quality refers to purity of water quality of water suffers from its large scale pollution almost throughout the country, it has been estimated that three fourths of the surface water in India is polluted water. Following steps are necessary for conservation of water resources.

  • Developing water-saving technology and methods.
  • Preventing pollution of water.
  • Encouraging watershed development, rainwater harvesting, water recycling and reuse and conjunctive use of water for sustaining water supply in long run.

Question 6.
Why is conservation of water necessary ? State its two methods. (C.B.S.E. 2011)
Or
Why is conservation of water essential in India? Explain any three different methods of water conservation with examples. (Outside Delhi 2019)
Answer:
Water Conservation and Management. Since there is a declining availability of fresh water and increasing demand, the need has arisen to conserve and effectively manage this precious life giving resource for sustainable development. Given that water availability from sea/ocean, due to high cost of desalinisation, is considered negligible.

India has to take quick steps and make effective policies and laws, and adopt effective measures for its conservation. Besides developing water saving technologies and methods, attempts are also to be made to prevent the pollution. There is a need to encourage watershed development, rainwater harvesting, water recycling and reuse, and conjunctive use of water for sustaining water supply in long run.

Question 7.
Name the low cost techniques to recharge groundwater.
Answer:

  • Roof water-harvesting.
  • Refilling of dug wells.
  • Recharging of hand pumps.
  • Construction of percolation pits.
  • Trenches around fields.
  • Bundhs and stop dams on rivulets.

Question  8.
What are the objectives of Rainwater-harvesting ?
Answer:

  • Soil conservation.
  • Conservation of water.
  • Conservation of arable land.
  • Development of horticulture.
  • Development of forestry and silvi-culture.
  • Conservation of environment.
  • Increase in agricultural output.
  • Checking environmental degradation.

Question 9.
What are the aims of Rainwater harvesting ?
Or
Examine the importance of ‘rain water harvesting*. (Delhi 2019)
Answer:
Rainwater Harvesting. It is a technique of increasing the recharge of groundwater by capturing and storing rainwater locally in subsurface water reservoirs to meet the household needs. Objectives of the rainwater-harvesting are to:

  • Meet the ever increasing demand for water.
  • Reduce the run-off which chokes drains.
  • Avoid the flooding of roads.
  • Augment the groundwater storage and raise the water table.
  • Reduce groundwater pollution.
  • Improve the quality of groundwater.
  • Reduce the soil erosion
  • Supplement domestic water requirement during summer and drought.

Question 10.
Describe the Water Resources of India.
Answer:
Water Resources of India.
(1) India accounts for about 2.45per cent of world’s surface area, 4 percent of the world’s water resources and about 16 percent of world’s population.
(2) The total water available from precipitation in the country in a year is about 4,000 cubic km.
(3) The availability from surface water and replenishable groundwater is 1,869 cubic km.
(4) Out of this, only 60 percent can be put to beneficial uses.
(5) Thus, the total utilisable water resource in the country is only 1,122 cubic km.

Question 11.
Describe the use of water resources in different sectors.
Or
“Scarcity of water on account of its increased demand, possess possibility the greatest demand in India.” Analyse the statement. (C.B.S.E. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Water Demand and Utilisation

1. Agricultural sector. India has traditionally been an agrarian economy, and about two-third of its population has been dependent on agriculture. Hence, development of irrigation to increase agricultural production has been assigned a very high priority in the Five Year Plans.

2. Multipurpose projects. Multipurpose river valley projects like the Bhakra-Nangal, Hirakund, Damodar Valley, Nagarjuna Sagar, Indira Gandhi Canal Project, etc., have been taken up. In fact, India’s water demand at present is dominated by irrigational needs. Agriculture accounts for most of the surface and groundwater utilisation, it accounts for 89 per cent of the surface water and 92 per cent of the groundwater utilisation.

3. Industrial sector. The share of industrial sector is limited to 2 per cent of the surface water utilisation and 5 per cent of the ground water, the share of domestic sector is higher (9 per cent) in surface water utilisation as compared to groundwater. The share of agricultural sector in total water utilisation is much higher than other sectors. However, in future, with development, the shares of industrial and domestic sectors in the country are likely to increase.

Question 12.
Why is irrigation necessary in India ? Give examples.
Or
Examine the importance of irrigation in India contexts. (Delhi 2017)
Or
Explain the importance of irrigation for agriculture in India. (CBSE 2010)
Answer:
Water for Irrigation. In agriculture, water is mainly used for irrigation.
(1) Irrigation is needed because of spatio-temporal variability in rainfall in the country.

(2) The large tracts of the country are deficient in rainfall and are drought prone.

(3) North-western India and Deccan plateau constitute such areas.

(4) Winter and Summer seasons are more or less dry in most parts of the country.

(5) Hence, it is difficult to practise agriculture without assured irrigation during dry seasons. Even in the areas of ample rainfall like West Bengal and Bihar, breaks in monsoon or its failure creates dry spells detrimental for agriculture.

(6) Water needs of certain crops also makes irrigation necessary. For instance, water requirement of rice, sugarcane, jute, etc. is very high which can be met only through irrigation.

Question  13.
Why is the demand of water for irrigation increasing day by day in India ? Explain any three reasons. (C.B.S.E. 2011, Outside Delhi 2019)
Answer:
In agriculture, water is mainly used for irrigation.

  • Irrigation is needed due to variable rainfall in India.
  • Drought prone areas like N-W India and Deccan needs irrigation.
  • Dry seasons of winter and summer need irrigation for agriculture.
  • Irrigation is needed during dry season.
  • Certain crops like rice, sugarcane, jute require large water supply.
  • Multiple cropping needs irrigation.
  • HYV crops need regular water supply.
  • Success of green revolution depends upon irrigation.

Question 14.
Give examples of Recycling and Reuse of Water.
Answer:
Recycle and Reuse of Water. Another way through which we can improve fresh water availability is by recycle and reuse. Use of water of lesser quality such as reclaimed waste-water would be an attractive option for industries for cooling and fire fighting to reduce their water cost. Similarly, in urban areas water after bathing and washing utensils can be used for gardening.

Water used for washing vehicle can also be used for gardening. This would conserve better quality of water for drinking purposes. Currently, recycling of water is practised on a limited scale. However, there is enormous scope for replenishing water through recycling.

Question 15.
What are the two water problems in India ? Explain with suitable examples. (C.B.S.E. 2009, 11)
Or
Why is the quality of water deteriorating in India? Explain with ‘ examples. (Outside Delhi 2019)
Answer:
Due to increase in population, the availability of water is decreasing. The two main water problems are:
(i) Deterioration of Water Quality : Quality refers to purity of water, or water without unwanted foreign substances. Water gets polluted by foreign matters such as micro-organisms, chemical, industrial and other wastes. Such matters deteriorate the quality of water and render it unfit for human use.

When toxic substances enter lakes, streams, rivers, oceans and other water bodies, they get dissolved or lie suspended in water. This results in pollution of water whereby quality of water deteriorates affecting aquatic systems. Sometimes, these pollutants also seep into earth and pollute groundwater. The Ganga and the Yamuna are the two highly polluted rivers in the country.

(ii) Water Conservation and Management :
Since there is a declining availability of fresh water and increasing demand, the need has arisen to conserve and effectively manage this precious life giving resource for sustainable development. Given that water availability from sea/ocean, due to high cost of desalinisation, is considered negligible,
India has to take quick steps and make effective policies and laws, and adopt effective measures for its conservation.

Besides developing water saving technologies and methods, attempts are also to be made to prevent the pollution. There is need to encourage watershed development, rainwater harvesting, water recycling and reuse, and conjunctive use of water for sustaining water supply in long run.

Water Resources Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Describe the main features of India’s National Water Policy.
Answer:
Highlights of India’s National Water Policy, 2002 : The National Water Policy, 2002 stipulates water allocation priorities broadly in the following order: drinking water, irrigation, hydro-power, navigation, industrial and other uses. The policy stipulates progressive new approaches to water management. Key features include:

(1) Irrigation and multi-purpose projects should invariably include drinking water component, wherever there is no alternative source of drinking water.
(2) Providing drinking water to all human beings and animals should be the first priority.
(3) Measures should be taken to limit and regulate the exploitation of groundwater.
(4) Both surface and groundwater should be regularly monitored for quality. A phased programme should be undertaken for improving water quality.
(5) The efficiency of utilisation in all the diverse uses of water should be improved.
(6) Awareness of water as a scarce resource should be fostered.
(7) Conservation consciousness should be promoted through education, regulation, incentives and disincentives.

Question 2.
Describe the methods and effects of Rainwater Harvesting.
Answer:
Rainwater Harvesting. Rainwater harvesting is a method of capturing and storing rainwater for various uses. It is also used to recharge groundwater aquifers.

  • It is a low cost and eco¬friendly technique for preserving every drop of water by guiding the rain water to bore well, pits and wells.
  • Rainwater harvesting increases water availability.
  • It checks the declining ground water table.
  • It improves the quality of groundwater through dilution of contaminants like fluoride and nitrates.
  • It prevents soil erosion, and flooding and arrests salt water intrusion in coastal areas if used to recharge aquifers.

Methods. Rainwater harvesting has been practised through various methods by different communities in the country for a long time. Traditional rainwater harvesting in rural areas is done by using surface storage bodies like lakes, ponds, irrigation tanks, etc.

In Rajasthan, rainwater harvesting structures locally known as Kund or Tanka (a covered underground tank) are constructed near or in the house or village to store harvested rainwater to understand various ways of rainwater harvesting.

Effects. There is a wide scope to use rainwater harvesting technique to conserve precious water resource. It can be done by harvesting rainwater on rooftops and open spaces. Harvesting rainwater also decreases the community dependence on groundwater for domestic use.

Besides bridging the demand supply gap, it can also save energy to pump groundwater as recharge leads to rise in groundwater table. These days rainwater harvesting is being taken up on massive scale in many states in the country. Urban areas can specially benefit from rainwater harvesting as water demand has already outstripped supply in most of the cities and towns.

Question 3.
What is Water Pollution ? Discuss- the methods and rules to check it. ;
Answer:
Prevention of Water Pollution. Available water resources are degrading rapidly.
(1) The major rivers of the country generally retain better water quality in less densely populated upper stretches in hilly areas.

(2) In plains, river water is used intensively for irrigation, drinking, domestic and industrial purposes. The drains carrying agricultural (fertilisers and insecticides), domestic (solid and liquid wastes), and industrial effluents join the rivers.

(3) The concentration of pollutants in rivers, especially remains very high during the summer season when the flow of water is low.

Polluted Rivers. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards has been monitoring water quality of national aquatic resources at 507 stations. The data obtained from these stations show that organic and bacterial contamination continues to be the main source of pollution in rivers.

The Yamuna river is the most polluted river in the country between Delhi and Etawah. Other severely polluted rivers are : the Sabarmati at Ahmedabad, the Gomti at Lucknow, the Kali, the Adyar, the Cooum (entire stretches), the Vaigai at Madurai and the Musi of Hyderabad and the Ganga at Kanpur and Varanasi. Groundwater pollution has occurred due to high concentrations of heavy/toxic metals, fluoride and nitrates at different parts of the country.

Question 4.
Examine the success of watershed management in Jhabua District of Madhya Pradesh. (CBSE – 2015)
Answer:
A case study for Water Shed Management Location: Jhabua district is located in the westernmost agro-climatic zone in Madhya Pradesh. It is, in fact, one of the five most backward districts of the country. It is characterised by high concentration of tribal population (mostly Bhils).

Problems: The people suffer due to poverty which has been accentuated by the high rate of resource degradation, both forest and land. The watershed management programmes funded by both the ministries of “Rural Development” and “Agriculture”, Government of India, have been successfully implemented in Jhabua district which has gone a long way in preventing land degradation and improving soil quality.

Programmes: Watershed Management Programmes acknowledge the linkage between land, water and vegetation and attempts to improve livelihoods of people through natural resource management and community participation. In the past five years, the programmes funded by the Ministry of Rural Development alone (implemented by Rajiv Gandhi Mission for Watershed Management) has treated 20 per cent of the total area under Jhabua district.

The Petlawad block of Jhabua is located in the northernmost part of the district and represents an interesting and successful case of Government-NGO partnership and community participation in managing watershed programmes. The Bhils in Petlawad block, for example (Sat Rundi hamlet of Karravat village), through their own efforts, have revitalised large parts of common property resources. Each household planted and maintained one tree on the common property.

They also have planted fodder grass on the pasture land and adopted social-fencing of these lands for at least two years. Even after that, they say, there would be no open grazing on these lands, but stall feeding of cattle, and they are thus confident that the pastures they have developed would sustain their cattle in future.

Water Resources Important Extra Questions HOTS

Question 1.
Explain any three factors responsible for depletion of water resources. Examine any two legislative measures for controlling water pollution in India.(C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
Deplection of water resources:

Water resources in India are very rapidly decreasing. It is due to the following reasons:

  • The use of water is increasing due to increasing population.
  • The Industrial sector is using water resources at a fast rate.
  • Water is used for irrigation to increase the agricultural productivity.
  • Water pollution is increasing.

Legislative measures :
(i) The legislative provisions such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and Environment Protection Act 1986, have not been implemented effectively.

(ii) The Water Cess Act 1977, meant to reduce pollution has also made marginal impacts. There is a strong need to generate public awareness about the importance of water and the impacts of water pollution. The public awareness and action can be very effective in reducing the pollutants from agricultural activities, domestic and industrial discharge.

Question 2.
Analyse the economic and social values of rainwater harvesting. (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Answer:
Economic and Social values of rainwater.

  • It meets the ever increasing demand of water.
  • It prevents the flooding of roads.
  • It help to save energy.
  • It helps in the economic development of a country.
  • It reduces groundwater pollution.

Question 3.
Describe the Jal Kranti Abhiyan.
Answer:
In 2015-16 the Government of India launched the Jal Kranti Abhiyan with an aim to ensure water security through per capita availability of water in our country. In different regions of India people had practised their traditional knowledge of water conservation to ensure water availability. This Abhiyan aims at involving local bodies, NGO, etc. regarding its objectives.

Following are some activities of this Abhiyan:

  • One water stressed village is selection in each 672 districts of the country to generate a Jal Gram.
  • Abatement of pollution.
  • Trough social media creating mass awarness.