CBSE Class 10 Social Science Question Paper 2023

Set 1 (32/4/1)

SECTION – A

(Multiple Choice Questions) (20×1=20)

1. Arrange the following in chronological order and choose the correct option: 1

(I) Napoleonic wars

(II) The Treaty of Vienna

(III) Greek Struggle for Independence

(IV) Slav Nationalism in Ottoman Empire

Options:

(a) III, II, I and IV

(c) IV, III, II and I 2.

(b) I, II, III and IV

(d) IV, II, III and I

Answer: (d) IV, II, III and I

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2. Which one of the following aspects was common among the writings of
Kailashbashini Debi, Tarabai Shinde and Pandita Ramabai ? 1

(a) Demanded economic equality for masses.

(b) Highlighted the experiences of women.

(c) Raised awareness about cultural heritage.

(d) Motivated Indians for their national freedom.

Answer: (b) Highlighted the experiences of women

3. There were three important developments that greatly shrank the pre-modern world.
Identify the incorrect one from the following options: 1

(a) The flow of trade

(b) The flow of labour

(c) The flow of capital

(d) The flow of technology

Answer: (b) The flow of labour

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4. Who among the following improved the steam engine? 1

(a) James Watt

(b) Thomas Edison

(c) Benjamin Franklin

(d) Alexander Fleming

Answer: (a) James Watt

5. Which one of the following is an example of Ferrous Metal ? 1

(a) Copper

(b) Tin

(c) Bauxite

(d) Nickel

Answer:(d) Nickel.

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6. Match the column - 1 with column - 2 and choose the correct option: 1

Column - 1(Resources) Column - 2(Example)

(I) Biological 1. Coal

(II) Renewable 2. Wildlife

(III) Non-renewable 3. Solar Energy

Options:

I II III

(a) 1 3 2

(b) 3 2 1

(c) 2 3 1

(d) 1 2 3

Answer: (c) 2 3 1

7. Which of the following is correctly matched? 1

(a) Alluvial Soil - Consist of sand and silt

(b) Black Soil - Salt content is high

(c) Arid Soil - Diffusion of iron in crystalline

(d) Laterite Soil - Made up of Lava flows

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Answer:(a) Alluvial Soil - Consist of sand and silt

8. Which of the following countries has better rank in Human Development Index ? 1
(a) Afghanistan

(b) Myanmar

(c) India

(d) Nepal

Answer:(b) Myanmar

9. Which one of the following sectors contribute highest in the GDP of India? 1

(a) Primary

(b) Secondary

(c) Tertiary

(d) Quaternary

Answer: (c) Tertiary

10. Why did the Indian government liberalize trade regulations in 1991? 1

(a) Government wanted foreign exchange equivalent to Indian Currency.

(b) Government wanted to maintain good relations with Western Countries.

(c) Government wanted Indian producers to compete in the World Market.

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(d) Government wanted to provide socio-economic justice to all.

Answer: (c) Government wanted Indian producers to compete in the World Market.

11. Read the following statements about Human Development and choose the correct
option: 1

(I) It is the composite Index prepared by United Nations Development Programme

(UNDP).

(II) Parameters to measure it are Longevity, Literacy and Per Capita Income.

(III) Countries are ranked according to Developed and Low Developing countries.

(IV) World Bank also prepares report of Human Development on the basis of Quality
of Life.

Options:

(a) I and II

(b) II and III

(c) I and III

(d) II and IV

Answer:(a) I and II

12. Read the following data and answer the question that follow: 1

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 Some comparative Data on Haryana, Kerala and Bihar

State Infant Mortality Rate (per Literacy Net Attendance Ratio (per
thousand person) Rate % 100 person)

Haryana 30 82 61

Kerala 7 94 83

Bihar 32 62 43

How much is the Net Absence Ratio of Haryana? Choose the appropriate option from
the following:

(a) 39

(b) 27

(c) 38

(d) 18

Answer: b) 27

13. Which one of the following is a developmental goal of the factory workers? 1

(a) Better wages

(b) Better technology

(c) More hours of work

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(d) More labour work

Answer: (a) Better wages

14. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? 1

(a) Primary Sector - Flower Cultivator

(b) Secondary Sector - Milk Vendor

(c) Tertiary Sector - Fisherman

(d) Manufacturing Sector - Gardener

Answer: (a) Primary Sector - Flower Cultivator

15. Consider the following statements on Power Sharing and choose the correct option:

(I) Majoritarianism is the real spirit of democracy. 1

(II) It creates balance and harmony in different groups.

(III) It reduces the possibility of conflict among social groups.

(IV) Power sharing is the essence of democracy.

Options:

(a) I, II and III

(b) II, III and IV

(c) I, III and IV

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(d) I, II and IV

Answer: (b) II, III and IV

16. Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the
statements and choose the correct option: 1

Assertion (A): Sri Lanka adopted ‘Tamil’ as the official language of the State.

Reason (R): The Govt. of Sri Lanka adopted a series of majoritarian measures.
Options:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.

(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.

Answer: (d) (A) is false but (R) is true.

17. Match column − A with column − B and choose the correct option: 1

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 Column - A Column - 2

(Subjects) (List)

(I) Banks 1. Concurrent List

(II) Agriculture 2. Union List

(III) Education 3. State List

(IV) Computer 4. Residary Subjects

Options:

I II III IV

(a) 4 3 1 2

(b) 3 4 1 2

(c) 2 3 1 4

(d) 4 2 1 3

Answer: (b) 3 4 1 2

18. Identify the administrative level of Indian Government with the help of the
information given in the box and choose the correct option: 1

1. Power shared between Central to Local Government.

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2. The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenue with them.

3. It is called a three-tier government.

Options:

(a) Dictatorial System

(b) Unitary Federal System

(c) Decentralized System 32/4/1

(d) Imperialistic System

Answer:(a) Dictatorial System

19. Which one of the following countries has two party system? 1

(a) China

(b) Russia

(c) America

(d) India

Answer: (c) America

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20. Which type of government is likely to be more acceptable to the people in the
world? 1

(a) Democratic

(b) Military

(c) Dictatorship

(d) Theocratic

Answer:(a) Democratic

SECTION – B

(Very Short Answer Questions)

21. (4×2=8)

(A) Explain any two methods that were used by the Europeans for the recruitment of
the indentured labours. 2

Answer:

• Europeans recruited indentured labourers through contracts offering wages, food, and
housing for a fixed period.
• Agents and recruiters actively sought labourers in regions like India and China, often
under deceptive terms.

OR

(B) How did the ‘smallpox’ prove as the most powerful weapon of the Spanish
conquerors in the mid-sixteenth century? Explain.

Answer:

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 • Smallpox devastated indigenous populations in the Americas, severely weakening
their resistance to Spanish conquest.
• The disease spread rapidly among natives who had no immunity, leading to
widespread death and disarray, aiding Spanish dominance

22. “Agriculture and industry move hand in hand.” Support the statement with
examples. 2

Answer:

• Agricultural products like cotton are crucial for the textile industry, which processes
them into clothing.
• Fertilizer production involves industrial processes that improve crop yields,
supporting agricultural productivity.

23. “Different persons can have different developmental goals.” Support the statement
with an example. 2

Answer: A farmer may seek better irrigation facilities to increase crop yield, while a student
might aim for quality education to secure a better future. Both have unique developmental
goals based on their needs.

24. “Women face discrimination in various ways in our society.” Explain any two ways.

Answer: 2

• Women often encounter unequal pay for the same work compared to men, affecting
their economic independence.
• Limited access to education in some areas restricts women’s opportunities for
personal and professional growth.

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 SECTION – C

(Short Answer Questions)

(5×3=15)

25. “Ideas of national unity in the early nineteenth century Europe were closely allied
to the ideology of liberalism.” Examine the statement. 3

Answer: National unity in 19th century Europe was driven by liberalism, which advocated
for individual freedoms, equality before the law, and democratic governance. Liberal
thinkers believed that a unified nation would support these ideals, promoting political and
social reforms.

26. Explain any three institutional reforms taken for the development of Indian
agriculture. 3

Answer:

• Land Reforms: Redistribution of land to reduce inequality and improve productivity.

• Green Revolution: Introduction of high-yield crop varieties and modern farming
techniques.
• Cooperative Movement: Formation of agricultural cooperatives to provide support
and resources to farmers.

27. How is information technology connected with globalization? Explain. 3

Answer: Information technology (IT) facilitates global communication and information

sharing, enabling businesses to operate and compete internationally. It also supports e-
commerce, making it easier for companies to reach global markets and for people to access
services worldwide.

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28. Analyze the need of Political Parties in Democracy. 3

Answer: Political parties represent diverse interests, formulate policies, and contest
elections. They are essential for organising political debate, mobilising voters, and ensuring
accountability of elected officials, thus functioning as the backbone of a democratic system.

29. (A) Why is ‘Tertiary Sector’ becoming important in India? Explain. 3

Answer: The Tertiary Sector (services) is growing due to increased demand for services like
healthcare, education, and IT. It contributes significantly to GDP and employment, reflecting
a shift towards a service-oriented economy.

OR

(B) Why is there a need to protect workers in the Unorganized Sector? Explain. 3

Answer: Workers in the Unorganized Sector face insecure jobs, low wages, and poor
working conditions. Protection is needed to ensure fair wages, safe work environments, and
job security, helping to improve their quality of life.

SECTION − D

(Long Answer Questions)

(4×5=20)

30. (A) Examine the progress of the Civil Disobedience Movement in the countryside. 4

Answer:

The Civil Disobedience Movement in the countryside saw widespread participation. Peasants
defied British laws by refusing to pay taxes and boycotting British goods. The movement
gained momentum as leaders like Gandhi promoted non-violent resistance. This increased
rural involvement, challenging colonial rule and highlighting the need for land reforms and
better living conditions.

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 OR

(B) Analyze the ways through which people of different communities developed a sense
of collective belonging in India. 4

Answer: Different communities in India developed a sense of collective belonging through

shared cultural symbols like festivals and languages. Nationalist leaders used newspapers,
literature, and educational institutions to foster unity. Mass movements and anti-colonial
struggles also played a key role in uniting people from diverse backgrounds under a common
national identity.

31. (A) How is pipeline transport network important in the transport system of India?
Explain with an example. 4

Answer: Pipeline transport is crucial for efficiently moving liquids and gases. For example,
the Kandla–Koyali pipeline transports crude oil from the port to refineries. This network
reduces transport costs, ensures steady supply, and minimizes environmental impact
compared to road or rail transport.

OR

(B) How have physical and economic factors influenced the distribution pattern of the
Indian Railway Network? Explain with examples.

Answer: Physical factors like terrain and climate shape the railway network. For instance,
railways are dense in the Ganga plains due to flat terrain. Economic factors such as industrial
areas influence railway routes. Railways are extensive in coal-rich regions like Jharkhand to
support mining and transportation.

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32. (A) “Democracy stands much superior to any other forms of governments in
promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.” Support the statement with
arguments. 4

Answer: Democracy promotes dignity and freedom by ensuring equal rights for all
individuals and free speech. Elected representatives reflect the people's will, and legal
protections prevent abuse of power, thus safeguarding individual freedoms and human rights.

OR

(B) “Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government.”

Support the statement with arguments.

Answer: In a democracy, elected officials are accountable to the public through elections
and checks and balances. Governments must be responsive to public needs and justify their
actions. This system ensures that decisions are made with legitimacy, reflecting the people's
preferences and promoting transparency.

33. (A) Justify the role of ‘Self Help Groups’ in the rural economy. 4

Answer: Self Help Groups (SHGs) empower rural individuals by providing access to credit
and support for small businesses. They promote savings, group activities, and
entrepreneurship, improving economic stability and empowerment among rural
communities, especially women.

OR

(B) “Cheap and affordable credit is crucial for the country’s development.” Justify the
statement. 4

Answer: Affordable credit stimulates economic growth by enabling small businesses and
farmers to invest in improvements and expansion. It supports entrepreneurship, creates jobs,
and boosts overall development by ensuring that financial resources are available to those
who need them most.

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 SECTION – E

(Case Based/Source Based Questions)

(3×4=12)

34. Read the given source and answer the questions that follow: 3

WHY NEWSPAPERS?

‘Krishnaji Trimbuck Ranade inhabitant of Poona intends to publish a Newspaper in

the Marathi Language with a view of affording useful information on every topic of
local interest. It will be open for free discussion on subjects of general utility, scientific
investigation and the speculations connected with the antiquities, statistics, curiosities,
history and geography of the country and of the Deccan especially... the patronage and
support of all interested in the diffusion of knowledge and Welfare of the People is
earnestly solicited.’ Bombay Telegraph and Courier, 6 January, 1849

‘The task of the native newspapers and political associations is identical to the role of
the Opposition in the House of Commons in Parliament in England. That is of critically
examining government policy to suggest improvements, by removing those parts that
will not be to the benefit of the people, and also by ensuring speedy implementation.
These associations ought to carefully study the particular issues, gather diverse relevant
information on the nation as well as on what are the possible and desirable
improvements, and this will surely earn it considerable influence.’

Native Opinion, 3 April 1870

(I) Explain the main reason for publishing newspaper by Krishnaji?

Answer: Krishnaji Trimbuck Ranade aimed to publish a newspaper to provide useful

information on local and national topics, encouraging free discussion and scientific
investigation. He sought to promote knowledge diffusion and the welfare of the people
through his publication.

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(II) How was the task of native newspaper and political association seen identical to
the role of opposition?

Answer: Native newspapers and political associations were seen as similar to the opposition
in Parliament because they were responsible for examining government policies, suggesting
improvements, and ensuring that policies were beneficial to the people. They played a
crucial role in critically analysing and influencing governance.

(III) Analyze the reasons for the popularity of newspapers during the 19th century.

Answer: Newspapers gained popularity in the 19th century due to their role in
disseminating information, fostering public debate, and promoting political awareness. They
provided updates on local and global events, supported social reform movements, and
served as a platform for free expression.

35. Read the given source and answer the questions that follow: 3

RAINWATER HARVESTING

Many thought that given the disadvantages and rising resistance against the
multipurpose projects, water harvesting system was a viable alternative, both socio-
economically and environmentally. In ancient India, along with the sophisticated
hydraulic structures, there existed an extraordinary tradition of water harvesting
system. People had in-depth knowledge of rainfall regimes and soil types and
developed wide ranging techniques to harvest rainwater, groundwater, river water and
flood water in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. In hill
and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like the ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ of the
Western Himalayas for agriculture. ‘Rooftop rainwater harvesting’ was commonly
practised to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan. In the flood plains of
Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields. In arid and semi-
arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rain fed storage structures that
allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil like the ‘khadins’ in Jaisalmer and
‘Johads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.

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(I) Why is water harvesting system a viable alternative?

Answer: Water harvesting is a viable alternative due to its socio-economic and

environmental benefits. It provides sustainable water sources, reduces dependence on large-
scale projects, and adapts to local conditions for efficient water management.

(II) Describe the process of ‘rooftop rainwater harvesting.’

Answer: In rooftop rainwater harvesting, rainwater is collected from roof surfaces,

channeled through pipes into a storage tank. The water is then filtered and used for drinking,
irrigation, or other purposes, especially in regions like Rajasthan.

(III) Mention any two methods adopted by ancient India for water conservation.

Answer:

• Diversion channels like ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ in the Western Himalayas for agriculture.
• Rain-fed storage structures like ‘khadins’ in Jaisalmer and ‘Johads’ in
Rajasthan to capture and store rainwater.

36. Read the given source and answer the questions that follow: 3

Language Diversity of India

How many languages do we have in India? The answer depends on how one counts it.
The latest information that we have is from the Census of India held in 2011. This
census recorded more than 1300 distinct languages which people mentioned as their
mother tongues. These languages were grouped together under some major languages.
For example languages like Bhojpuri, Magadhi, Bundelkhandi, Chhattisgarhi,
Rajasthani and many others were grouped together under ‘Hindi’. Even after this
grouping, the Census found 121 major languages. Of these 22 languages are now

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included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and are therefore called
‘Scheduled Languages’. Others are called ‘Non-Scheduled Languages’. In terms of
languages, India is perhaps the most diverse country in the world.

(I) Explain the importance of language diversity in India.

Answer: Language diversity in India reflects its rich cultural heritage and social complexity.
It promotes cultural identity, supports regional languages, and enhances communication
among diverse communities. This diversity is integral to national unity and cultural
preservation.

(II) Differentiating between Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Languages.

Answer:

• Scheduled Languages: Recognised and listed in the Eighth Schedule of the

Indian Constitution, receiving official support and recognition.
• Non-Scheduled Languages: Not included in the Eighth Schedule, often lacking
formal support and recognition.

(III) ‘The fusion of languages has united the country into one cultural entity.’ Explain
the statement with an example.

Answer: The fusion of languages, such as the use of Hindi alongside regional languages,
has helped create a unified national identity while respecting regional diversity. For
example, Bollywood films use a mix of Hindi and regional languages, promoting a shared
cultural experience across India.

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 SECTION – F

(Map Skill Based Questions)

(2+3=5)

37.

(i) Two places A and B have been marked on the given political outline map of India.
Identify them with the help of the given information and write their correct names on
the lines drawn near them. 1

(a) The place where Mahatma Gandhi started Satyagraha for Indigo peasants.

(b) The place where the session of Indian National Congress held in December 1920. 1

(ii) On the same outline map of India locate and label any three of the following with
suitable symbols: 1

(a) Tehri Dam

(b) Naraura Atomic Power Station

(c) Pune Software Technology Park

(d) Haldia Sea Port

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Answer:

(a) The place where Mahatma Gandhi started Satyagraha for Indigo peasants:
Champaran

(b) The place where the session of Indian National Congress held in December, 1920:
Nagpur

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