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Class 10 History Chapter 9 Important Questions and Answers Know the Indian Social System
Kerala Syllabus Class 10 Social Science History Chapter 9 Know the Indian Social System Important Questions
Know the Indian Social System Class 10 Important Questions
Question 1.
What is a system?
Answer:
A system is a systematic arrangement of various categories.
Question 2.
What is society?
Answer:
Society is composed of various social institutions that work together to ensure its survival.
Question 3.
Explain who G.S. Ghurya was.
Answer:
He was one of the pioneers of Indian sociology.
Question 4.
What does Article 15 of the Indian Constitution imply?
Answer:
It prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race, class, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Question 5.
What does the Indian social system reflect?
Answer:
The country’s history, values, and traditions.
Question 6.
In Hindu society, caste is determined by:
a) Education
b) Birth
c) Wealth
d) Occupation chosen later in life
Answer:
b) Birth
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Question 7.
The caste system is primarily associated with which religion?
a) Buddhism
b) Hinduism
c) Islam
d) Christianity
Answer:
b) Hinduism
Question 8.
The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 was originally called:
a) The Caste Equality Act
b) Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955
c) Social Justice Act, 1955
d) Civil Rights (Protection) Act, 1976
Answer:
b) Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955
Question 9.
Match the Following.
| Religion and Indian Social System | Description |
| a. Article 15 | i. No discrimination by religion, caste, sex, etc. |
| b. Kabir Das | ii. Hindu-Muslim harmony |
| c. Meera Bai | iii. Women’s freedom of worship |
A. a – i, b – ii, c – iii
B. a – ii, b – iii, c – i
C. a – iii, b – i, c – ii
D. a – ii, b – i, c – iii
Answer:
A. a – i, b – ii, c – iii
| Religion and Indian Social System | Description |
| a. Article 15 | i. No discrimination by religion, caste, sex, etc. |
| b. Kabir Das | ii. Hindu-Muslim harmony |
| c. Meera Bai | iii. Women’s freedom of worship |
Question 10.
Match the Following
| Tribal Society | Description |
| a. Traditional Knowledge | i. Possess valuable knowledge about agriculture and medicine |
| b. Arts and Culture | ii. Enrich Indian culture through unique art forms and festivals |
| c. Sustainable Life | iii. Live in harmony with nature and use resources eco-friendly |
A. a – i, b – ii, c – iii
B. a – ii, b – iii, c – i
C. a – iii, b – i, c – ii
D. a – i,b – iii, c – ii
Answer:
A. a – i, b – ii, c – iii
| Tribal Society | Description |
| a. Traditional Knowledge | i. Possess valuable knowledge about agriculture and medicine |
| b. Arts and Culture | ii. Enrich Indian culture through unique art forms and festivals |
| c. Sustainable Life | iii. Live in harmony with nature and use resources eco-friendly |
Question 11.
Choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Rural and urban societies in India are interdependent.
Reason (R): Cities depend on villages for raw materials and food, while villages depend on cities for technology and markets.
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:
A. Both A arid R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
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Question 12.
Write the ones from section B that match section A from the following.
| A | B |
| Pluralism in Indian Society | i. Promotes unity and coexistence |
| ii. Encourages mutual respect and understanding among diverse groups | |
| iii. Ensures that diversity does not lead to division |
A. i
B. i and ii
C. i, ii, iii
D. ii, iii
Answer:
C. i, ii, iii
Question 13.
Prepare a note on Herbert Spencer.
Answer:
Herbert Spencer was a sociologist who compared society to a living system. He proposed the idea that society is a social organism by drawing an analogy between the human body system and the social system.
Question 14.
Compare diversity and pluralism.
Answer:
- Pluralism:- The word pluralism means the coexistence of different things.
- Diversity:- Diversity means differences.
Question 15.
What is Indian National Integration?
Answer:
Indian national integration is the process of uniting the culturally, linguistically, and religiously diverse Indian society into a single national identity while respecting their diversity.
Question 16.
Explain the role of religions in the socialisation process.
Answer:
Every religion teaches human values such as honesty, proportion, mutual respect, mutual love, care, social responsibility, sense of justice, and morality, thereby enriching the socialisation process.
Question 17.
List the resistances against inequality by tribal people in India.
Answer:
- Munda revolt
- Santal revolt
- Kurichya revolt
Question 18.
List the factors that are detrimental to Indian pluralism.
Answer:
- Problems of linguistic minorities
- Problems of tribal people
- Factors that are detrimental to secularism
Question 19.
Fill “B” and “C” by analysing the connection of A.
A. National Integration: Unity in Diversity
B. Secularism: ……………………
C. Democracy: …………………..
Answer:
B. Equality and Religious Tolerance
C. Inclusive Participation and Representation
Question 20.
What is the rural-urban continuum?
Answer:
The transformation of rural societies into urban ones is linked to the concept of the rural-urban continuum. Mac Iver opined that there is a situation in the rural-urban continuum in which there is no
clear boundary between where cities end and villages begin. We can observe that this kind of rural-urban continuum exists in Kerala.
Question 21.
What are the factors that contribute to the formation of a social system?
Answer:
- Education
- Transportation
- Media
- Communication
- Law
- Judicial system
- Health care systems
- Religious and cultural institutions
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Question 22.
Explain the features of the Indian social system.
Answer:
- Caste system
- Religion
- Language
- Tribal society
- Rural and urban societies
Question 23.
Examine the role of religions in the Indian social system.
Answer:
- Means of social control
- Enriches cultural diversity.
- Accelerates social change.
Question 24.
Discuss the role of languages in the Indian social system.
Answer:
- Organises cultural traditions.
- Provides a sense of identity.
- Fosters respect for and coexistence with cultural diversity.
Question 25.
Write the difference between diversity and pluralism in society.
Answer:
- Diversity in society refers to the differences that exist within society.
- But pluralism promotes the exchange of ideas, mutual respect, mutual love, and mutual harmony between different groups beyond these differences.
- While diversity exists naturally, pluralism is something that heeds to be consciously created.
Question 26.
Evaluate the role of tribal communities in preserving India’s culture.
Answer:
- Preserving traditional knowledge.
- Ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
- Building resilience against inequality.
Question 27.
Explain the interdependence between rural and urban societies in India.
Answer:
Rural and urban societies in India depend on each other for resources and development. Villages provide raw materials like food to cities, while cities supply technology, markets, and modem facilities to villages. Rural-urban migration connects the two, and urban trends influence village life. While villages emphasise cooperation and social relationships, urban areas promote industrialisation, employment, and cultural exchange. This interdependence maintains balance and strengthens the Indian social system.
Question 28.
How do tribal communities contribute to environmental conservation and the nation’s knowledge economy?
Answer:
Tribal communities live in harmony with nature, using forests, water, and other natural resources in an eco-friendly way. Their sustainable practices serve as effective models for resource management and environmental preservation. Their deep knowledge of forests also supports the development of eco-tourism. By integrating their traditional knowledge into modern applications, tribal societies contribute to the nation’s knowledge economy.
Question 29.
Explain the concept of a social system and how it applies to Indian society.
Answer:
A social system is formed when various parts of society, such as family, education, economy, religion, government, and other institutions, work interdependently and complementarily to maintain stability, growth, and social order. Herbert Spencer compared society to a living organism, where each part functions together like organs in a body. In India, the social system reflects diversity in castes, religions, languages, tribes, and cultures. It has evolved over thousands of years, shaped by history, culture, and traditions, forming a complex structure that regulates interactions and maintains social harmony.
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Question 30.
Explain how the caste system acted as a means of social control in ancient India and how India addresses untouchability today.
Answer:
In ancient India, the caste system served as a system of social control. Members of each caste had to follow strict norms and duties, maintaining social order based on the notions of purity and pollution. This led to strict caste distinctions, and lower castes were often required to keep social distance from higher castes. Untouchability was practiced, preventing people of different castes from sharing food or social interaction. Today, untouchability is prohibited under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, which ensures equality and the protection of civil rights in India.
Question 31.
Explain the concept of secularism in India and how it is reflected in the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
India is a secular state, as stated in the Preamble of the Constitution, meaning the State does not give special status to any religion. Indian secularism ensures the harmonious existence of all religions, whether originating in India or outside. Article 15 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. This protects equality and promotes social harmony among diverse religious communities in India.
Question 32.
Explain how the caste system led to social inequality and marginalisation in India, and give examples of agitations against it.
Answer:
Inequality and Marginalisation
- Even though the caste system was practised as the basis of the social structure, it developed social inequality in society.
- People who were considered lower castes were denied access to education, land and resources which in turn accelerated the marginalisation of these sections.
- The inequalities which existed then were often considered unquestionable.
- It became an obstacle for the deserving individuals to access resources and to achieve equality. Certain sections received more consideration while others were marginalised.
- Over the years, several agitations emerged against the caste-based inequalities and oppression across India.
- Kallumala agitation, Mookkuthi agitation, Panthi Bhojanam, Channar riot, etc., were examples of agitations in Kerala.
The Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination and ensures equality for all its citizens. In modern India, democratic values, constitutional provisions, and social movements have challenged the rigid practices of the traditional caste system. This influenced social mobility and paved the way for building a just society, promoting equality, and eliminating caste discrimination.
Question 33.
Explain the role of religion in the Indian social system.
Answer:
RELIGION
- The Preamble to the Indian Constitution states that India is a secular state.
- The unique aspect of Indian secularism is that the State does not accord special status to any religion.
- Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- One of the characteristics of the Indian social system is that there is a harmonious existence of religions that originated in India, and those that originated outside India.
ROLE OF RELIGION IN THE INDIAN SOCIAL SYSTEM
A Tool for Social control
- Each religion teaches human values such as honesty, empathy, mutual respect, love, care, social responsibility, justice, and morality and these values enrich the process of socialisation.
- Through these coexistence and social order can be ensured. Thus, religious values influence and guide individual behaviour, and there by act as a tool for social control.
Enriching Cultural Diversity
- Religion enriches our country’s cultural diversity through beliefs, arts and literature.
- The paintings and engravings found in religious institutions such as temples, churches, mosques, viharas and gurudwaras vividly point to this cultural richness.
In the idealistic contributions of many figures such as Kabir Das, who worked for Hindu-Muslim harmony, Meera Bai, who stood for women’s freedom of worship, and Guru Nanak, who opposed caste discrimination and economic inequality, one can see numerous elements that enriched India’s cultural diversity.
Accelerating Social Change
- Some religious movements evolved into social movements, that paved way for social changes. They challenged caste discrimination and encouraged equality. Brahmo Samajled by Raja Ram Mohan Roy is an example of this.
- Although religion promotes reformation and unity in society, it can at times challenge the harmony of India’s social order due to divisions and conflicts along religious lines. Such tendencies harmfully affect our social unity.
Question 34.
Explain the contributions of tribal communities to Indian society.
Answer:
LANGUAGE
- India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with 22 official languages and numerous regional dialects.
- Language is not just a means of communication- it is a symbol of culture and identity. After Independence, India was reorganised based on linguistic lines.
- Differences in social systems and cultural practices exist among people who speak different languages.
Make Cultural Traditions Organic
- The Ballads of Northern Kerala (Vadakkan Pattukal) are examples of oral songs. These songs helped preserve traditional values, social norms and historical events.
- Languages organically embody the traditions of their respective societies through oral transmission over time and, subject to changes, through written transmission.
- The traditions, stories, and values of each society nurture its culture.
| BALLADS OF THE NORTH (VADAKKAN PATTUKAL) Ballads of the North are heroic folk songs that originated in Northern Kerala. The essence of the songs is the biographies and celebration of the lives and heroic deeds of famous Kalari practitioners from tharavads like Puthuram and Thacholi, in the areas of Kadathanadu in Northern Malabar, Kolathunadu and Wayanad. These songs are transmitted through the Malayalam language. |
Provides a Sense of Identity
- As the Malayalam-speaking people are known as Malayalees, people are connected to their identities through language.
- Terms like Tamils, Biharis and Punjabis are examples of how people’s language and identity are related. Thus, language plays an inclusive role in shaping people’s sense of identity.
Fosters Respect for and Coexistence with Cultural Diversity
- We can learn about different cultures and foster respect and coexistence through various languages.
- People can develop broader life perspectives and opportunities by learning and using more than one language, including their regional languages.
- To maintain equilibrium in Indian social systems, it is essential to recognise and respect linguistic diversity.
Question 35.
Explain the concept of national integration in India and the factors that promote it.
Answer:
- National integration is a process by which people from different backgrounds, regions, languages, religions, and cultures are respected for their diversity, leading to a unified and harmonious state.
- It also emphasises people’s identity, solidarity and public identity while respecting their diversity.
- India’s national integration is a process that unifies Indian society into a national identity by respecting India’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
The festivals that promote unity in diversity’ inspire national integration in India. India is a democratic country that ensures inclusive participation of all marginalised groups and ensures equal participation and representation for all groups in society. The various festivals and events celebrated together across India ensure coexistence and tolerance in society. Besides, a legal system that protects religious and linguistic minorities and a visible secularism reinforce constitutional values such as equality.

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Question 36.
What are features of National Integration?
Answer:
- National integration is a process by which people from different backgrounds, regions, languages, religions, and cultures are respected for their diversity, leading to a unified and harmonious state.
- It also emphasises people’s identity, solidarity and public identity while respecting their diversity.
- India’s national integration is a process that unifies Indian society into a national identity by respecting India’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
The festivals that promote unity in diversity inspire national integration in India. India is a democratic country that ensures inclusive participation of all marginalised groups and ensures equal participation and representation for all groups in society. The various festivals and events celebrated together across India ensure coexistence and tolerance in society. Besides, a legal system that protects religious and linguistic minorities and a visible secularism reinforce constitutional values such as equality.
