Class 8

By reviewing Class 8 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus Chapter 13 Building New Nations Important Questions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.

Building New Nations Extra Questions and Answers Class 8 Social Science Chapter 13 Kerala Syllabus

Building New Nations Class 8 Important Questions

Question 1.
In which ship did the Pilgrim Fathers arrive in America?
Answer:
Mayflower

Question 2.
Arrange the following in chronological order:
i Olive Branch Petition
ii Treaty of Paris
iii First Philadelphia Congress
iv Declaration of Independence
a) iii – i – iv – ii
b) iii – ii – i – iv
c) ii – iii – i – iv
d) iii – i – ii – iv
Answer:
a) iii – i – iv – ii

Question 3.
Who was the leader of the American army in the war against Britain?
a) Thomas Jefferson
b) George Washington
c) Benjamin Franklin
d) John Adams
Answer:
b) George Washington

Question 4.
Who drafted the American Declaration of Independence?
a) Thomas Jafferson
b) Lord North
c) Abraham Lincoln
d) Benjamin Franklin
Answer:
a) Thomas Jafferson

Question 5.
Who said “ No taxation without representation”
a) Thomas Paine
b) John Locke
c) James Otis
d) George Washington
Answer:
c) James Otis

Question 6.
First president of the United States of America
a) Abraham Lincoln
b) George Washington
c) Thomas Paine
d) John Adams
Answer:
b) George Washington

Question 7.
Statement I: In 1781, the American army under the leadership of George Washington defeated the English army.
Statement II: In accordance with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, Britain accepted the independence of the 13 American colonies.
Analyse the above statements and choose the correct answer from the options given below.
a) Statement I only is correct .
b) Statement II only is correct
c) Both the Statements are correct
d) Both the Statements are not correct
Answer:
c) Both the Statements are correct

Question 8.
What is the framework of the US Constitution known as?
Answer:
Articles of Confederation

Question 9.
Who was the Russian emperor during the Russian Revolution?
a) Alexander Kerensky
b) Nicholas II
c) Leon Trotsky
d) Joseph Stalin
Answer:
b) Nicholas II

Question 10.
Which dynasty ruled China?
a) Ming dynasty
b) Manchu dynasty
c) Han dynasty
d) Yuan dynasty
Answer:
b) Manchu dynasty

Question 11.
Find the ones from ‘B’ that correspond to category ‘A’ given below.

A	B
October Revolution	i) Lenin ii) Workers’ Republic iii) Red Guar iv) Mensheviks

a) i, ii, iii are correct
b) Only i is correct
c) Only ii is correct
d) Only iii is correct
Answer:
a) i, ii, iii are correct

Question 12.
Find the ones from ‘B’ that correspond to category ‘A’ given below.

A	B
February Revolution	i) Alexander Kerensky ii) Mensheviks iii) Provisional government

a) Only i is correct
b) ii and iii are correct
c) Only ii is correct
d) i, ii, iii are correct
Answer:
d) i, ii, iii are correct

Question 13.
Arrange the table given below.

A	B
A. Lenin	i. Long March
B. Sun Yat-sen	ii. Provisional government
C. Mao Zedong	iii. New Economic Policy
D. Alexander Kerensky	iv. Kuomintang Party

a) A -iii, B – ii, C – i, D – iv
b) A – iii, B – iv, C – i, D – ii
c) A – ii, B – iii, C – i, D – iv
d) A – iv, B – ii, C – i, D – iii
Answer:
b) A -iii, B – iv, C – i, D – ii

Question 14.
Choose the correct answer by reading the given assertion and reason.
Assertion: The New Economic Policy was a partial return to private trade, agriculture, and private investment.
Reason: By implementing the New Economic Policy, he developed the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) into a world superpower.
a) Both assertion and reason are correct.
b) Both assertion and reason are wrong.
c) Assertion is correct, Reason is wrong
d) Assertion is wrong, Reason is correct.
Answer:
a) Both assertion and reason are correct

Question 15.
Who issued the proclamation granting freedom to the slaves? When?
Answer:
Abraham Lincoln. January 1, 1863

Question 16.
What were the two factions of the Social Democratic Workers’ Party?
Answer:

• Bolsheviks
• Mensheviks

Question 17.
Whose theories were included in the Communist Manifesto?
Answer:

• Karl Marx
• Friedrich Engels

Question 18.
Explain the New Economic Policy implemented by Lenin in the Soviet Union.
Answer:
New Economic Policy implemented in 1921. The New Economic Policy was a partial return to private trade, agriculture, and private investment. Large industries were combined with trusts. At the same time, the government encouraged the cooperative sector. But there was a strict government control to prevent the revival of capitalism.

Question 19.
Which countries were involved in the Opium War?
Answer:

• China
• Britain

Question 20.
Define Boxer Rebellion.
Answer:
The growing interference of foreign powers increased the resentment of the people against them in China. As a result, many secret agencies were formed in China. One such secret agency was the Boxers. Their symbol was the Boxers Fist. Their resistance against the European invasion is known as the ‘Boxer Rebellion’.

Question 21.
Explain the trade laws implemented by Britain in the American colonies.
Answer:

• Goods from colonies to colonies could only be transported on the British ships or on the ships of the colonies.
• Goods such as wool, tobacco, and ship’s sails could be sent to Europe via England only. Goods from Europe could only be transported via England only.
• The Stamp Act of 1765 insisted that Deeds of will, legal documents, and pamphlets be marked with a fixed value stamp. An additional tax was imposed to recoup the cost of protecting the colonies from French attacks.

Question 22.
What were the factors that motivated the colonists to fight against Britain?
Answer:

• The colonists’ fear of the French disappeared as a result of the Seven-Year War
• The military experience gained as a result of participating in the war
• Awareness of one’s own strength

Question 23.
What were the ideas put forward by Sun Yat-sen?
Answer:

• Nationalism
• Democracy
• Socialism

Question 24.
The American War of Independence made significant contributions to the world. What were they?
Answer:

• It gave energy to anti-colonial struggles around the world
• The first written constitution came into effect
• It contributed the concept of federal government to the world
• It contributed the idea of modem republican government to the world

Question 25.
Lenin put forward new ideas. What are they?
Answer:

• Power: to the workers’ councils (Soviets)
• Land: to the peasants
• Peace: for all
• Food: for the starving

Question 26.
Explain the results of the revolution in China.
Answer:

• China became the People’s Republic
• Foreign domination in China came to an end
• Agricultural land was distributed to the farmers
• It caused the spread of socialist ideas among the nations of the world

Question 27.
What were the main features of the Constitution of the United States of America?
Answer:

• The Constitution of the United States is a written one in the federal system. Accordingly, each state joining the union had certain powers of its own.
• The smallest constitution in the world ‘
• The central government has authority over foreign affairs, war, interstate trade, and currency
• The state governments had representation in the central government
• The powers of the three branches of government such as the Congress, the President, and the Judiciary are clearly specified.

Question 28.
List the differences between the North American states and the South American states in the provinces of the United States of America.
Answer:

North American States	South American States
Industry and commerce were the main sectors	Agriculture was the main sector Presence of organised plantations
Did not depend on others for industrial products	There were very few factories Had to depend on the northern states or England for industrial products
Gave importance to education Primary education was free and compulsory	Education was not given importance Far behind in literacy

Question 29.
Explain the background of the Civil War in America.
Answer:

• Slavery
• Southern states supported slavery.
• Northern states discouraged the system of slavery.
• Thirteen Southern states left the union.
• Northern states questioned the right to leave the Union.

Question 30.
Explain the causes of the Russian Revolution.
Answer:
Autocratic rule of Tsar: Agitated with the miserable working conditions, the economic depression, and the ongoing war with Japan, the people, led by Father Gapon, marched to St. Petersburg to present a petition to Tsar Nicholas II requesting economic and political reforms. The army opened fire on the protesters, killing over a hundred workers. This massacre in St. Petersburg on January 22, 1905, is known as ‘Bloody Sunday.’ In response to the popular outrage, the Tsar agreed to form a parliament called the Duma. But he rejected all the reforms proposed by the Duma and attempted to suppress political freedom.

• The main problems faced by the workers:
  • Low wages
  • Poor living conditions
  • Long working hours
  • The dominance of foreign capitalists in industries
• Problems of Peasants:
  • The peasants were socially and economically oppressed
  • Most of the agricultural land was owned by nobles
  • Only a small section of the peasants had their own land
  • The taxes that the peasants had to pay were extremely high
• Formation of Social Democratic Workers’ Party
• Influence of the writings of Leo Tolstoy, Turgenev, Maxim Gorky, etc.
• The communist theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
• Russian participation in World War I.

Question 31.
List the reforms implemented by Lenin in Russia after the revolution.
Answer:

By reviewing Class 8 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus Chapter 12 Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Important Questions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.

Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Extra Questions and Answers Class 8 Social Science Chapter 12 Kerala Syllabus

Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Class 8 Important Questions

Question 1.
Which is the largest unorganised sector in India?
a. Industrial sector
b. Service sector
c. Agricultural sector
d. Information technology sector
Answer:
c) Agricultural sector

Question 2.
The method of cultivating only one crop at a time on a farmland is called:
a. Multiple cropping
b. Intercropping
c. Monocropping
d. Crop rotation
Answer:
c) Monocropping

Question 3.
The farming method in which a crop grows again and gives yield after harvesting is:
a. Mixed cropping
b. Ratoon cropping
c. Continuous cropping
d. Relay cropping
Answer:
b) Ratoon cropping

Question 4.
Which cropping system helps to increase soil fertility?
a. Monocropping
b. Relay cropping
c. Crop rotation
d. Multistoried cropping
Answer:
c) Crop rotation

Question 5.
What is the aim of the National Agricultural Market (e-NAM), an online platform for buying and selling agricultural products?
a. Provide agricultural loans
b. Distribute seeds
c. Help farmers sell their products as per their preference
d. Control pesticide application
Answer:
c) Helps farmers sell their products as they prefer

Question 6.
Growing maize and groundnut together is an example of which cropping system?
a. Intercropping
b. Relay cropping
c. Mixed cropping
d. Continuous cropping
Answer:
c) Mixed cropping

Question 7.
Which of the following is a social factor?
a. Irrigation
b. Farmers’ income
c. Food habits
d. Nature of soil
Answer:
c) Food habits

Question 8.
Growing crops of different heights and different root depths at the saihe time on the same farmland is called:
a. Precision farming
b. Vertical farming
c. Multistoried cropping
d. Organic farming
Answer:
c) Multistoried cropping

Question 9.
What is the chance of pest attack higher in monocropping (monoculture)?
a. Because the farmland remains fallow
b. Because only one crop is grown at a time
c. Because it is aimed at export
d. Because planting and maintenance are easy
Answer:
b) Because only one crop is grown at a time

Question 10.
Why is mixed cropping more popular in dry regions?
a. Because it helps control pests and weeds
b. Because it ensures efficient use of resources
c. Because if one crop fails due to adverse weather, other crops may still give a yield.
d. Because it does not require specific spacing
Answer:
c) Because if one crop fails due to adverse weather, other crops may still give a yield.

Question 11.
Assertion: Multiple cropping increases total production and income.
Reason: Two or more crops are grown without affecting the natural fertility of the soil.
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:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Question 12.
Assertion: Precision farming ensures efficient use of water and nutrients.
Reason: It is a technology in which crops are given only the required nutrients, in the right amount, at the right time.
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:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Question 13.
Assertion: Growing pulses after paddy is an example of crop rotation.
Reason: Crop rotation is a method of growing two or more crops at the same time in the same field without maintaining spacing.
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:
c) A is true, but R is false.

Question 14.
Assertion: In ratoon cropping, there is a chance of reduced yield and increased pest/disease attack.
Reason: The main advantage of ratoon cropping is that yield is obtained again from the same crop without replanting.
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:
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Question 15.
Assertion: Using drone technology in agriculture helps increase productivity.
Reason: Due to global population increase, climate change, and technological advancement, agricultural practices are continuously changing.
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:
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Question 16.
Match the Following.

Agricultural Pattern	Explanation
1. Mixed cropping	a. Another crop is cultivated between the main crop in a specific pattern.
2. Inter- cropping	b. Cultivating crops of different plant families on the same field after harvesting each crop.
3. Relay Cropping	c. Two or more crops simultaneously on agricultural land without maintain space between them.
4. Crop Rotation	d. Growing a second crop on the field before harvesting the first crop.

A. 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b
B. 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a
C. 1-d, 2-c, 3-b, 4-a
D. 1-a, 2-b, 3-d, 4-c
Answer:
A. 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b

Question 17.
Match the following

Cropping Pattern	Example
1. Monocropping	a. Spinach, Sugarcane
2. Sequence Cropping	b. Rubber, Tea
3. Ratoon Cropping	c. Coconut, Pepper
4. Multi- Tier Cropping	d. Pulses, Sesame

A. 1-a, 2-c, 3-d, 4-b
B. 1-d, 2-c, 3-b, 4-a
C. 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c
D. 1-d, 2-c, 3-a, 4-b
Answer:
C. 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c

Question 18.
Match the following

Factors Influencing Cropping System	Sub Factor
1. Natural Factors	a. Area of Agricultural Land held
2. Economic Factors	b. Scientific Irrigation
3. Social Factors	c. Diet
4. Technological Factors	d. Climate

A. 1-a 2-b, 3-c, 4-d
B. 1-d, 2-a, 3-c, 4-b
C. 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
D. 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d
Answer:
B. 1-d, 2-a, 3-c, 4-b

Question 19.
Write two examples of the role played by the agriculture sector in the economy of a country.
Answer:

• Ensures food security of the country.
• Provides employment to the people (largest unorganized sector in India).
• Provides raw materials for industries

Question 20.
What is meant by cropping system?
Answer:
The order in which crops are cultivated on a farm during a specific period is called cropping system. Cropping system can be classified as Monocropping, Poly Cropping, Ratoon Cropping.

Question 21.
What is the main advantage of Ratoon Cropping?
Answer:

• During harvesting, the roots or lower part of the crop is left uncut. After harvesting, the crop that was cultivated grows again and produces yield.
• The advantage of this system is that the crop is harvested again from the same crop.

Question 22.
What are the Key components of Precision Farming?
Answer:
Precision farming is a technique that enables maximum production by providing each crop with the required water, nutrients and crop protection materials at the right time and in the right quantity. Micro-irrigation (the method of providing water required for plant growth in droplets or fine streams), fertigation, and integrated pest and disease management are the main components of precision farming.

Question 23.
List any two technologies used in Digital Farming.
Answer:

• Big data analysis tools.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Mobile phones / Farm advisory apps

Question 24.
What is the importance of Rain Shelter Farming?
Answer:
A rain shelter is a roof covered with polythene sheets. By using transparent polythene sheets as a canopy, the crops are protected from excessive rain while receiving the necessary sunlight for farming. Rain shelter farming is suitable for achieving high production throughout the year even in adverse weather conditions. If every household has a rain shelter, the household’s vegetables can be cultivated year-round.

Question 25.
Write any two examples for Mono Cropping.
Answer:
Rubber, Tea, Tapioca

Question 26.
WRat are the main objectives of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)?
Answer:

• Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an approach to help farmers cope with climate change.
• The main goals are to increase productivity and income, adapt to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 27.
How is intercropping suitable for weed and pest control?
Answer:
Growing another crop in between the rows of the main crop (intercropping) can help reduce weed growth and potentially reduce the spread of pests due to crop diversity.

Question 28.
What are the basic factors that distinguish small-scale industries from cottage industries?
Answer:

Factors	Small scale industries	Cottage Industries
Investments/Turnover	Investment not exceeding ?10 crore and annual turnover less than ?50 crore.	Investment limit is low.
Labor force	Labor force can be used from outside the family members.	Only the labor force of family members is used.
Technology	Modem technology can be used.	Traditional technology can be used.

Question 29.
Write any three natural factors that influence cropping systems.
Answer:

• Soil characteristics
• Topography
• Water availability
• Climate

Question 30.
List three benefits of crop rotation to agriculture.
Answer:

• Increases soil fertility.
• Increases soil productivity.
• It is an ideal method for controlling weeds and pests.

Question 31.
What is sequence cropping? Write examples for it.
Answer:
Sequence Cropping is the method of cultivating another short-term crop in the same field immediately after harvesting the main crop. This method utilises the moisture and nutrients remaining on the field. The main advantage is that the fields do not lie fallow. Example: On paddy fields, pulses or sesame are grown after the main crop, paddy.

Question 32.
What are the three main uses of drone technology in modern agriculture?
Answer:

• To successfully sow seeds in the field in less time.
• To effectively apply pesticides.
• To effectively apply fertilizers.

Question 33.
Why is Vertical Farming important in the era of urbanization?
Answer:
Vertical farming is being used as a practical way to produce food in cities due to urbanization and the scarcity of agricultural land. It helps in achieving higher yields in less space. Hydroponic and aeroponic systems are used. It uses hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic systems to produce food year-round with minimal water use.

Question 34.
Write the main differences between mixed Cropping and intercropping.
Answer:
Mixed Cropping: This is the method of cultivating two or more crops simultaneously on agricultural land without maintaining spacing between them. This cropping system is more common in dry areas. The advantage is that even if the yield of one crop is poor due to adverse weather conditions, yields from other crops can still be obtained. Example: maize-groundnut, coconut-pigeon pea

Inter cropping: Inter Cropping is a cropping system where another crop is cultivated between the main crop in a specific pattern. Production can be increased through the efficient use of resources. This is a suitable method for controlling weeds and pests. Example: Groundnut cultivated as an intercrop in cotton, which grows slowly in the initial stage. Plantain cultivated as an intercrop in coconut plantations

Question 35.
What is the importance of agro-based small/cottage industries?
Answer:

• They are a solution to some extent to the problems faced by the agricultural sector.
• They operate locally by utilizing agricultural resources and give a boost to the local economy.
• They help increase the income of farmers by producing value-added products.

Question 36.
List any three challenges/problems facing the Indian agriculture sector.
Answer:

• Climate change and natural disasters.
• High cost of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Lack of market for agricultural produce, lack of capital

Question 37.
How do infrastructures affect the choice of cropping systems? Give three examples.
Answer:

• Irrigation: If irrigation facilities are available, crops that require irrigation can be grown even in dry weather.
• Transportation: If good transportation facilities are available, perishable fruits and vegetables can be transported to the market.
• Market access: Farmers choose commercial crops based on the availability of market access.

Question 38.
What are the four main objectives of an efficient agricultural market?
Answer:

• Enable primary producers (fanners) to earn the best possible income.
• Provide fair prices for agricultural products while maintaining their quality.
• Provide products to consumers at fair prices.
• Help agricultural progress by streamlining the marketing system.

Question 39.
Explain the concept of multi-storied cropping. What is the main advantage of this method in terms of soil, water and sunlight?
Answer:
MULTIPLE CROPPING OR POLY CROPPING
Multiple Cropping is a cropping system in which two or more crops are cultivated on a single plot of land without affecting the natural fertility of the soil.

The advantage of this is to increase the total production from the farm land and thereby the income.

Mixed Cropping

• This is the method of cultivating two or more crops simultaneously on agricultural land without maintaining spacing between them. This cropping system is more common in dry areas.
• The advantage is that even if the yield of one crop is poor due to adverse weather conditions, the yield from other crops can be obtained.
• Example: maize-groundnut, coconut-pigeon pea

Inter Cropping

• Inter Cropping Inter Cropping is a cropping system where another crop is cultivated between the main crop in a specific pattern.
• This is a suitable method for controlling weeds and pests.
• Example: Groundnut cultivated as an intercrop in cotton, which grows slowly in the initial stage. Plantain cultivated as an intercrop in coconut plantations.

Sequence Cropping

• Sequence Cropping is the method of cultivating another short-term crop in the same field immediately after harvesting the main crop. This method utilises the moisture and nutrients remaining on the field.
• The main advantage is that the fields do not lie fallow.
• Example: On paddy fields, pulses or sesame are grown after the main crop, paddy.

Relay Cropping

• Relay cropping is the method of growing a second crop on the field before harvesting the first crop.
• Example: Cultivating vegetables before harvesting plantain.

Crop Rotation

• Crop rotation is the method of cultivating crops of different plant families on the same field after harvesting each crop. The main benefit of crop rotation is that it increases soil fertility.
• It is a suitable method for increasing soil productivity and for controlling weeds and pests.
• Example: Cultivating peas after paddy

Multi-Tier Cropping

• Multi-tier cropping is the method of cultivating crops of different heights, with different root depths and varying sunlight requirements on the same field simultaneously.
• Its advantage is that soil, water and sunlight can be used more effectively.
• Example: coconut, pepper, ginger/turmeric are cultivated simultaneously on the same farm.

Question 40.
Compare the Difference between Polyhouse Farming and Rain Shelter Farming.
Answer:
Rain Shelter Farming

• A rain shelter is a roof covered with polythene sheets. By using transparent polythene sheets as a canopy, the crops are protected from excessive rain while receiving the necessary sunlight for farming.
• Rain shelter farming is suitable for achieving high production throughout the year even in adverse weather conditions.

Polyhouse Farming

• Polyhouse farming or Greenhouse farming is a method df artificially creating a suitable environment for plant growth by protecting the plant from heat, rain, cold and sunlight.
• This method of cultivation is done in polyhouses that are completely covered with polythene sheets.

Question 41.
Prepare a short note on the following modern agricultural trends (any four):
a. Precision Farming
b. Digital Farming
c. Organic Farming
d. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)
Answer:
Precision Farming

• Precision farming is a technique that enables maximum production by providing each crop with the required water, nutrients and crop protection materials at the right time and in the right quantity.
• This method can be implemented in rain shelter and open areas.
• The advantages of this farming method are the precise use of water and nutrients, efficient use of machinery, and better management of agricultural land.
• Micro-irrigation (the method of providing water required for plant growth in droplets or fine streams), fertigation, and integrated pest and disease management are the main components of precision farming.

Digital Farming: Digital farming is a farming method that incorporates diverse technologies. Technologies such as big data analysis tools, artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital communication technologies such as mobile phones, digital platforms, robotics, and agricultural advisory apps are used in digital farming.

Organic Farming: Organic farming is a farming method that relies on organic pesticides, compost, green manures, crop rotation, machinery, and the like. It completely avoids chemical fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides. Plant growth regulators and organically modified seeds are not used in this method.

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an approach to help fanners cope with climate change. The main goals are to increase productivity and income, adapt to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 42.
Government policies play a significant role in influencing cropping patterns.” Describe four factors that support this statement?
Answer:

• Export and import of crops: A policy that encourages the export of a crop will encourage farmers to grow more of that crop.
• Taxation: Taxes imposed on certain agricultural products will affect its production.
• Credit availability: Government loans and other financial assistance for crop cultivation affect farmers’ choices.
• Subsidies: Subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and modern equipment can help farmers choose certain cropping patterns.

Question 43.
Write the important role played by the agriculture sector in the economic, social and industrial sectors of India.
Answer:
1. Food Security: It ensures the food security of the country by providing food and fodder to the people and livestock.
2. Employment: As the largest unorganised sector in India, it provides employment to a large percentage of the people.
3. Raw materials for industries: It helps in the growth of industries by providing raw materials (cotton, sugarcane, etc.) required by industries.
4. Economic empowerment: It is the backbone of the rural economy. This sector is the source of economic empowerment of w’omen.
5. Foreign exchange: It earns foreign exchange for the country through the export of spices and agricultural products.

Question 44.
Explain five new agricultural trends and their reasons for adopting them to combat climate change and increase agricultural production.
Answer:

• Due to constant change in increasing world population, climate change, and growth of technology, the agricultural activities also change.
• The agricultural sector in India has undergone a radical transformation in the last few decades.
• The shift from traditional agricultural methods to modern agricultural methods using new technology is remarkable.
• Technology has taken on the challenges of agriculture and adopted innovative methods to increase productivity.
• The main objective of technology in the agricultural sector is to help farmers increase agricultural production.

Rain Shelter Farming

• A rain shelter is a roof covered with polythene sheets. By using transparent polythene sheets as a canopy, the crops are protected from excessive rain while receiving the necessary sunlight for farming.
• Rain shelter farming is suitable for achieving high production throughout the year even in adverse weather conditions.

Polyhouse Farming

• Polyhouse farming or Greenhouse farming is a method df artificially creating a suitable environment for plant growth by protecting the plant from heat, rain, cold and sunlight.
• This method of cultivation is done in polyhouses that are completely covered with polythene sheets.

Precision Farming

• Precision farming is a technique that enables maximum production by providing each crop with the required water, nutrients and crop protection materials at the right time and in the right quantity.
• This method can be implemented in rain shelter and open areas.
• The advantages of this farming method are the precise use of water and nutrients, efficient use of machinery, and better management of agricultural land.
• Micro-irrigation (the method of providing water required for plant growth in droplets or fine streams), fertigation, and integrated pest and disease management are the main components of precision farming.

Digital Farming: Digital farming is a farming method that incorporates diverse technologies. Technologies such as big data analysis tools, artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital communication technologies such as mobile phones, digital platforms, robotics, and agricultural advisory apps are used in digital farming.

Vertical Farming: Vertical farming is being used as a viable way to produce food in cities due to urbanisation and scarcity of agricultural land. This technology involves growing crops in vertically stacked, layered, or built-up areas. It uses hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic systems to produce food year-round with minimal water use.

Organic Farming: Organic farming is a farming method that relies on organic pesticides, compost, green manures, crop rotation, machinery, and the like. It completely avoids chemical fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides. Plant growth regulators and organically modified seeds are not used in this method.

Question 45.
Describe the various types of agricultural markets in the country for buying and selling agricultural products.
Answer:
Agricultural Market

• An agricultural market is a system for buying and selling agricultural products.
• An efficient agricultural market is essential for the progress of agriculture.
• The main objectives of an agricultural market are to enable primary producers to earn the best possible income and to provide fair prices while maintaining the quality of agricultural products.

Farmers And Market
It is the right of the farmer to get a fair price for his products. Therefore, farmers are trying to find markets that offer the maximum price. By using online markets, marketing without intermediaries between farmers and consumers, has become possible.

Agricultural Produce Market Committee: The APMC is a board set up by the state governments of the country to protect farmers from exploitation by large-scale and retail traders. The states regulate APMC through the Agricultural Produce Marketing Regulation Act (APMR Act).

DIFFERENT TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL MARKETS

• Structured and functional markets are essential for the progress of the agricultural sector.
• Agricultural markets are classified into two categories-Organised Agricultural Market and Unorganised Agricultural Market.
• Organised agricultural markets are those that operate according to the rules and regulations of the government. They operate mainly according to the APMC rules.
• Unorganised agricultural markets are those that operate without a specific structure.
• Rural Primary Markets: Rural primary markets are markets where farmers directly sell their produce without intermediaries. They are centred in small villages and are a mechanism of exchange between individuals in the village as main sellers and consumers. Markets meet once or twice a week in open areas. For example: Village markets, Haats.
• Village Haats: Haats are markets where producers, intermediaries and consumers of a village gather to buy and sell agricultural products.
• Mandis: These are permanent wholesale markets in district headquarters and other towns for daily transactions.
• Fairs/Festivals: Fairs are markets held at pilgrimage sites and major centres only during religious festivals or local festivals.

Wholesale Markets or Secondary Wholesale Markets:
Agricultural marketing is done in the state with the support of state self-governing bodies and farmer producer organisation. This is possible through a marketing network established in urban and rural areas. Of the wholesale markets in Kerala, three function in urban areas and three in rural areas. In addition to these, five District Procurement cum Marketing Centres are also functioning. These centres, which are under the Department of Agriculture, operate as per the market rules of the Government of Kerala. Six wholesale markets have also been registered under E-Nam. Apart from these, local market outlets at various levels facilitate the marketing of agricultural produce by mobilising it directly and through farmers’ associations. Marketing is done through the marketing system of Self-help Farmers’ Committees established by VFPCK at the production centres, eliminating intermediaries.

The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) is an organisation that promotes the marketing of agricultural produce and forest resources in India. Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) strengthen rural agricultural activities by undertaking services such as integration, marketing, value addition, grading, branding and packing of agricultural products.

• Keralagro: The Department of Agriculture has started marketing of agricultural products under a unified brand ‘Keralagro’ to energise the marketing of agricultural products, thereby increasing the income of farmers and making the products available to consumers at fair prices.
• E-Nam: The National Agriculture Market is a scheme launched by the government to enable farmers to sell their products at their will. It is an online platform for agricultural products.

By reviewing Class 8 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus Chapter 11 Feudalism and the Medieval World Important Questions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.

Feudalism and the Medieval World Extra Questions and Answers Class 8 Social Science Chapter 11 Kerala Syllabus

Feudalism and the Medieval World Class 8 Important Questions

Question 1.
Choose the correct option from B which is suitable for A.

A	B
Feudalism	i. A piece of land
	ii. Feud
	iii. German word
	iv. Originated in France

A. ii and iii are correct
B. iii and iv are correct
C. i and iii are correct
D. i, ii, iii and iv are correct
Answer:
i, ii, iii and iv are correct

Question 2.
What are the three orders in the feudal system?
Answer:
Clergy, Nobles, Peasants

Question 3.
Define the term Frankish Empire.
Answer:
The Western Roman Empire was later conquered by the Franks, a tribe in Europe. They founded the Frankish Empire.

Question 4.
The most famous ruler Frankish Empire was
Answer:
Charlemagne

Question 5.
Complete ‘b’ by understanding the relationship in ‘a’ from the given.
a) Western Roman Empire: Rome
b) Eastern Roman Empire:
Answer:
Constantinople

Question 6.
The famous emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire was
Answer:
Justinian

Question 7.
What was the Corpus Juris Civilis, and what were its three main parts?
Answer:
The Corpus Juris Civilis was a collection of Roman laws compiled under Emperor Justinian. Its three main parts were: Digest, Code, and Institutes.

Question 8.
What is Hijra?
Answer:
In 622 CE, Prophet Muhammad and his followers fled from Mecca to Medina. This is known as the Hijra.

Question 9.
Choose the correct option from the following.
Assertion (A): Genghis Khan united the Mongol tribes and laid the foundation of the Mongol Empire.
Reason (R): The Mongols were nomadic people who travelled in search of pastures.

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

Question 10.
Arrange the following Caliphs in chronological order.
i) Umar
ii) Ali
iii) Abu Bakr
iv) Uthman
A. ii – i – iii – iv
B. iii – iv – ii – ii
C. i – iv – ii – iii
D. iii – i – iv – ii
Answer:
D. iii – i – iv – ii

Question 11.
Who was the most powerful ruler of the Mali Empire?
A. Genghis Khan
B. Mansa Kangan Musa
C. Abdul Abbas
D. Muawiya
Answer:
B. Mansa Kangan Musa

Question 12.
Which are the ancient civilizations held in America?
Answer:
The Aztecs, the Mayans, and the Incas were the civilisations that existed in America.

Question 13.
Match the following.

a. Karakoram	i. Postal system
b. Yam	ii. Capital of Mongol
c. Yasa	iii. Code of law

A. a-ii, b-i, c-iii
B. a-i, b-ii, c-iii
C. a-iii, b-i, c-ii
D. a-i, b-ii, c-iii
Answer:
A. a-ii, b-i, c-iii

Question 14.
What were the two categories of peasants in the feudal system?
Answer:
The third order had two divisions: Independent peasants and slaves.

Question 15.
How was the Roman Empire later divided into two?
Answer:

• Western Roman Empire
• Eastern Roman Empire

Question 16.
Explain Justinian’s Law.
Answer:
Justinian was a famous ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire. Justinian’s greatest contribution to the world was the Code of Justinian. A committee of jurists was formed to codify the laws, jurisprudence, and legal edicts that existed in the empire and to create a distinct law. The law thus compiled was the Corpus Juris Civilis. It had three parts: Digest, Code, Institute.

Question 17.
What is meant by Carolingian Renaissance?
Answer:
The Pope crowned Charlemagne as the first Holy Roman Emperor. Therefore, this empire is also known as the Holy Roman Empire. The architectural style of this period is known as the Carolingian style. The cognitive progress during the reign of Charlemagne is known as the Carolingian Renaissance.

Question 18.
Define Carolingian Style of Architecture.
Answer:
The Carolingian style was a combination of Byzantine and ancient Roman styles. Its characteristics include arched doorways, domes, and mosaic floors.

Question 19.
Define the term feudalism?
Answer:
Feudalism was an economic, social, and political system that emerged in medieval Europe following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. The word ‘feudalism’ is derived from the German word ‘feud,’ which means ‘a piece of land.’ Feudalism, which originated in France, later spread to England and Italy.

Question 20.
What are the conditions of peasants during feudal period?
Answer:

• They did not have their own land
• They had to work on the farms and in the houses of the nobles * They did not receive wages
• They could not leave the land without the permission of the noble

Question 21.
Why Frankish empire is known as Holy Roman Empire?
Answer:
Holy Roman Empire

• The Western Roman Empire was later conquered by the Franks, a tribe in Europe. They founded the Frankish Empire. The most famous ruler of this empire was Charlemagne.
• When Pope Leo III was expelled from Rome by his enemies, Charlemagne defeated them and restored him as Pope.
• In return, the Pope crowned Charlemagne as the first Holy Roman Emperor. Therefore, this empire is also known as the Holy Roman Empire. The architectural style of this period is known as the Carolingian style. The cognitive progress during the reign of Charlemagne is known as the Carolingian Renaissance.
• Carolingian Style of Architecture: The Carolingian style was a combination of Byzantine and ancient Roman styles. Its characteristics include arched doorways, domes, and mosaic floors.

Question 22.
Explain the significance of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Answer:
After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire emerged as a powerful centre of culture and administration. Its capital was Constantinople, earlier known as Byzantium. The empire preserved Roman traditions, laws, art, and architecture, and became a bridge between the ancient and medieval worlds. It is therefore known as the Byzantine Empire.

Question 23.
By the Nth century, feudalism began to collapse. Give reasons for this.
Answer:

• Climate change
• Strengthening of monarchy
• Spread of the pandemic, known as the plague or Black Death
• Invention of gunpowder
• Crusades
• Scarcity of metal coins

Question 24.
Explain the contributions of Arabs to the world.
Answer:
Arab Contributions To The World

• The Arab people were the ones who had built a unique culture. They had an efficient government, a postal system and a tax collection system. They were able to achieve a lot of progress in the field of education. The universities in Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, and Cordoba are examples of this.
• It was the Arabs who contributed algebra and Arabic numerals to the world. Zero, which was the contribution of India was spread to the whole world by the Arabs.
• The Arabs were also the inventors of many chemical processes in chemistry. They were also the inventors of optics.
• They had knowledge about tuberculosis, smallpox, stomach cancer, and plague. The Thousand and One Nights is a famous book in Arabic literature.

Scientists/Litterateur	Field	Books
Alrazi	Medicine	Kithab-Al-Hawi
Avicenna (Ibn Sina)	Medicine	Al-Qanun Fittib
Al-Biruni	Geology	Tahqiq ma lil-Hind
Umar Khayyam	Literature	Rubaiyyat
Firdausi	Literature	Shahnama

Question 25.
Distinguish between Umayyad and Abbasids dynasty.
Answer:
Umayyad Dynasty
Muawiya, the governor of Syria seized power following the insecurity that arose after the death of the fourth caliph, Ali. The dynasty he founded was the Umayyad Dynasty. They moved the capital to Damascus in Syria. Abd al-Malik, the caliph of the Umayyad dynasty, emphasised Arabhood.

Abbasids
The Abbasid dynasty came into pow er under the leadership of Abul Abbas by overthrowing the Umayyad dynasty. They moved the capital from Damascus to Baghdad. The most important poet and scholar among them was Harun al-Rashid.

Question 26.
Describe the lifestyle of the Mongols and explain how Genghis Khan played an important role in uniting them.
Answer:
Mongol Empire

• The Mongols were a nomadic tribe that lived in the eastern part of Central Asia.
• The capital of the Mongols was Karakoram.

This tribe travelled on horseback in search of pastures during the day and lived in tents at night. Genghis Khan united the various Mongol tribes which had been fighting each other for a long time, and laid the foundation of the Mongol Empire. His real name was Temujin. The name Genghis Khan was given to him by the Mongol tribal council. Genghis Khan started a postal system to connect different parts of the country. This was known as ‘Yam.’ Horses were used for the efficient functioning of this system. He also introduced a code of law called ‘Yasa.’

Question 27.
Write a note on early civilization of America.
Answer:
Aztecs

• In the 12th century, the Aztecs migrated to the Valley of Mexico.
• Aztec society was hierarchical. Their capital was Tenochtitlan.

They built artificial islands called Chinampas in the lakes of Mexico. This is an example of their construction skills. They gave importance to agriculture and cultivated corn, beans, squash, pumpkins, cassava, and potatoes. In addition to this, they were also engaged in trade and handicrafts. They used coins made of metals such as gold, copper, and tin. They gave importance to education. Educational institutions called Calmecac were built for the children of the nobles and Tepochcalli for the children of other classes.

Mayans
The Mayan civilisation developed in Mexico between the 11th and 14th centuries.

The Mayans cleared the jungle and cultivated maize. They built palaces and temples with stones. They made gold and silver jewellery and beautiful pottery. They used pictographic alphabet. They used bark of trees and paper made from a special plant for writing. They made significant progress in mathematics and astronomy and had an almanac.

Incas

• The Inca civilisation of Peru was the largest indigenous civilisation in South America.
• A centralised imperial rule prevailed there. The king was the supreme ruler.
• The capital was Cuzco.

The city had temples, palaces, and beautiful houses made of stone. The capital was connected to different parts of the country by means of roads. Machu Picchu, located at an altitude of 3,500 metres in central Peru, is an example of their construction skills. They made jewellery using gold, silver, and copper. They used the skins of animals such as llamas and alpaca to weave woollen clothes. The government provided farmers with enough land to cultivate. The main crops were com and potatoes. They used a system of recording numbers called quipu. The Spanish colonisation of America destroyed these cultures.

Chinampas
Chinampas are artificial islands built in the lakes of Mexico. The islands were built by covering reeds with mud and planting crops on them. Palaces and pyramids were built on these islands.

Question 28.
Describe the rise of Arab civilisation from the time of Prophet Muhammad to the Caliphate, and explain the major dynasties that ruled after him.
Answer:
Caliphate Rule
The successors of Prophet Muhammad who came to power after his death were known as caliphs. Their rule is called the Caliphate. A caliph was both the religious leader of Islam and the head of the Arab state. During the period of the first four calijfhs, the capital of the Arab Empire was Medina.

Umayyad Dynasty
Muawiya, the governor of Syria seized power following the insecurity that arose after the death of the fourth caliph, Ali. The dynasty he founded was the Umayyad Dynasty. They moved the capital to Damascus in Syria. Abd al-Malik, the caliph of the Umayyad dynasty, emphasised Arabhood.

Abbasids
The Abbasid dynasty came into pow er under the leadership of Abul Abbas by overthrowing the Umayyad dynasty. They moved the capital from Damascus to Baghdad. The most important poet and scholar among them was Harun al- Rashid.

Arab Contributions To The World

• The Arab people were the ones who had built a unique culture. They had an efficient government, a postal system and a tax collection system. They were able to achieve a lot of progress in the field of education. The universities in Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, and Cordoba are examples of this.
• It was the Arabs who contributed algebra and Arabic numerals to the world. Zero, which was the contribution of India was spread to the whole world by the Arabs.
• The Arabs were also the inventors of many chemical processes in chemistry. They were also the inventors of optics.
• They had knowledge about tuberculosis, smallpox, stomach cancer, and plague. The Thousand and One Nights is a famous book in Arabic literature.

Scientists/Litterateur	Field	Books
Alrazi	Medicine	Kithab-Al-Hawi
Avicenna (Ibn Sina)	Medicine	Al-Qanun Fittib
Al-Biruni	Geology	Tahqiq ma lil-Hind
Umar Khayyam	Literature	Rubaiyyat
Firdausi	Literature	Shahnama

By reviewing Class 8 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus Chapter 10 Europe on the World Map Important Questions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.

Europe on the World Map Extra Questions and Answers Class 8 Social Science Chapter 10 Kerala Syllabus

Europe on the World Map Class 8 Important Questions

Question 1.
Who is the famous Malayalam writer who wrote the book ‘Innathe Europe’?
a. M. T. Vasudevan Nair
b. O. V. Vijayan
c. S. K. Pottekkatt
d. Vaikom Muhammed Basheer
Answer:
c. S. K. Pottekkatt

Question 2.
Which major ocean is located to the west of the continent of Europe?
a. Indian Ocean
b. Atlantic Ocean
c. Pacific Ocean
d. Arctic Ocean
Answer:
b. Atlantic Ocean

Question 3.
How many square kilometers is the approximate area of Europe?
a. 95,50,000 square kilometers
b. 1,15,00,000 square kilometers
c. 85,00,000 square kilometers
d. 1,03,55,000 square kilometers
Answer:
d. 1,03,55,000 square kilometers

Question 4.
Which continent is located to the east of Europe?
a. Africa
b. Asia
c. North America
d. Australia
Answer:
b. Asia

Question 5.
Which index is prepared by the United Nations to assess the development of the countries of the world?
a. Human Development Index
b. Happiness Index ,
c. Gender Equality Index
d. Poverty Index
Answer:
a. Human Development Index

Question 6.
What are the two main human factors that are attributed to the success of the Finnish people?
a. Natural resources and agricultural prosperity
b. Political stability and foreign aid
c. Low education and unemployment
d. Willpower and hard work
Answer:
d. Willpower and hard work

Question 7.
In which year was S. K. Pottekkat’s book ‘Innathe Europe’ published?
a. 1947
b. 1955
c. 1962
d. 1970
Answer:
b. 1955

Question 8.
Which ocean lies to the north of Europe?
a. Aleutian Sea
b. Indian Ocean
c. Pacific Ocean
d. Arctic Ocean
Answer:
d. Arctic Ocean

Question 9.
Assertion (A) Finland is very ahead in the happiness index and the human development index.
Reason (R) The Finnish people have the willpower and hard work to overcome the adverse climate and terrain and lead towards development.
a. Assertion (A) and reason (R) are both true. And R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Assertion (A) and reason (R) are both true. But R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. Assertion (A) is true, reason (R) is false.
d. Assertion (A) is false, reason (R) is true.
Answer:
a. Assertion (A) and reason (R) are both true. And R is the correct explanation of A.

Question 10.
Assertion (A) The countries of Europe can be a model for the world in terms of development.
Reason (R) These countries have only excellent natural resources and a favourable climate for development.
a. Assertion (A) and reason (R) are both true. And R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Assertion (A) and reason (R) are both true. But R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. Assertion (A) is true, reason (R) is false.
d. Assertion (A) is false, reason (R) is true.
Answer:
c. Assertion (A) is true, reason (R) is false.

Question 11.
Assertion(A): The Human Development Index (HDI) is a standard for measuring the development of countries in the world.
Reason (R): The HDI is prepared by the United Nations.
a. Assertion (A) and reason (R) are both true. And R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Assertion (A) and reason (R) are both true. But R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. Assertion (A) is true, reason (R) is false.
d. Assertion (A) is false, reason (R) is true.
Answer:
b. Assertion (A) and reason (R) are both true. But R is not the correct explanation of A.

Question 12.
Assertion (A): Many countries with better climate, geography and natural resources lag behind Finland in the happiness index.
Reason (R): The development and happiness of a country are largely determined by the willpower and hard work of its people.
a. Assertion (A) and reason (R) are both true. And R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Assertion (A) and reason (R) are both true. But R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. Assertion (A) is true, reason (R) is false.
d. Assertion (A) is false, reason (R) is true.
Answer:
a. Assertion (A) and reason (R) are both true. And R is the correct explanation of A

Question 13.
Match the following by analyzing the borders of Europe.

A	B
1. North	(a) Mediterranean Sea
2. East	(b) Atlantic Ocean
3. West	(c) Asia
4. South	(d) Arctic Ocean

A. 1-(a), 2-(d), 3-(c), 4-(b)
B. 1 -(c), 2-(b), 3-(a), 4-(d)
C. 1-(d), 2-(c), 3-(b), 4-(a)
D. 1-(b), 2-(a), 3-(d), 4-(c)
Answer:
C. 1-(d), 2-(c), 3-(b), 4-(a)

Question 14.
Match the following

A	B
1. S.K Pottekkat	(a) World Development Index
2. Dimension of Europe	(b) Published in 1955
3. HDI	(c) 1,03,55,000 Square Kilometer
4. Innathe Europe	(d) Malavalam Travel Writer

A. 1-(a), 2-(d), 3-(c), 4-(b)
B. 1-(d), 2-(a), 3-(b), 4-(c)
C. 1-(d), 2-(c), 3-(a), 4-(b)
D. 1-(c), 2-(b), 3-(d), 4-(a)
Answer:
C. 1-(d), 2-(c), 3-(a), 4-(b)

Question 15.
State the four main boundaries (direction and area bounded) of the continent of Europe.
Answer:

• North: Arctic Ocean
• West: Atlantic Ocean
• South: Mediterranean Sea
• East: Asia

Question 16.
Which international organisation prepares the Human Development Index (HDI)? What is the main objective of this index?
Answer:

• Organisation: United Nations
• Objective: The main objective is to provide a standard for assessing and comparing the development level of countries in the world by including human factors such as education and health, beyond economic factors

Question 17.
What is the area of Europe? What is its location compared to the world’s area?
Answer:
The area of Europe is approximately 1,03,55,000 square kilometres. Compared to the world’s landmass, Europe is one of the smaller continents (7% of the world’s area).

Question 18.
“Finland’s development achievements became a model for the world.” Elucidate the statement.
Answer:
Despite having a favourable climate and no natural resources, Finland has managed to overcome adverse climate and terrain to reach a high level of development (Happiness Index, HDI). This achievement makes Finland a model for the world.

Question 19.
Happiness Index and Human Development Index (HDI) – How do European countries rank in both these indices?
Answer:
European countries (such as Finland) consistently rank well in both these indices, including in the top ten. This indicates a better standard of living and development for their people.

Question 20.
What is Eurasia?
Answer:
Eurasia is a vast landmass that includes Asia and Europe. Europe is considered the western extension of Asia.

Question 21.
What are the major boundaries that separate Europe from Asia?
Answer:
The major natural boundaries that separate Europe from Asia are:

• Ural Mountains
• Black Sea
• Caspian Sea

Question 22.
“The area of Europe (1,03,55,000 sq km)”. What does it indicate?
Answer:
The area of Europe is small compared to other continents. This area indicates:

• Europe is one of the smallest continents in the world.
• In a small land area, high population density and urbanization are likely to occur.
• This area reminds us of the importance of overcoming geographical limitations with human capacity.

Question 23.
How do the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, which border Europe, affect European countries?
Answer:

• Arctic Ocean (north): Causes severe cold and harsh weather in northern European countries. This makes life difficult and requires hard work.
• Atlantic Ocean (west): Provides Europe with a vast coastline. It facilitates commercial shipping and fishing. In addition, factors such as the North Atlantic Current help moderate the climate in Western Europe.

Question 24.
How do Europe and Asia share an eastern border? What is the geographical significance of this region?
Answer:
Asia is located to the east of Europe, and together they form a large landmass called Eurasia. They share a continental border. This border (mainly the Ural Mountains and the Ural River) serves as a geographical and cultural transition zone. This border has a significant influence on the politics and trade of the eastern European countries.

Question 25.
Explain that ‘willpower and hard work’ are the basis of development using the example of Finland.
Answer:
Countries like Finland have an adverse climate and geography. However, their high ranking in development indices proves that development does not depend solely on natural resources or favourable conditions.

1. Strong Willpower: The determination of the people to face challenges and achieve their goals.
2. Hard Work: The hard work they put in to make this determination a reality.
   The message is that these two human factors are the real capital that leads a country to success.

Question 26.
What is the historical and geographical role of the Mediterranean Sea on the southern border of Europe?
Answer:

• Geographical: It provides the countries of southern Europe with a mild Mediterranean climate. This is favourable for shipping and agriculture.
• Historical: The Mediterranean region was the cradle of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. This sea was a major trade route connecting Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It played a crucial role in the cultural and political growth of Europe.

Question 27.
Considering the location of Europe on the world map, can Europe be described as a ‘peninsula of peninsulas’? Why?
Answer:
Yes.

• Borders of Europe: Europe is surrounded by oceans on three sides (the Arctic in the north, the Atlantic in the west, Mediterranean in the south). Therefore, it is like a large peninsula of the Asian continent.
• Peninsulas: Within it, there are many smaller peninsulas, such as Italy, the Iberian Peninsula, Scandinavian Peninsula.
• Therefore, Europe can be described as a peninsula of peninsulas.

Question 28.
What are the underlying factors that have led European countries to rank high in indices, including the Human Development Index (HDI)?
Answer:

• Importance of education and health: Good public health systems and universal education.
• Social security schemes: A strong social safety net that ensures the well-being of citizens.
• Transparent and efficient governance: A less corrupt and efficient governance system.
• Citizen participation: The role played by the people in nation-building through high willpower and hard work.

Question 29.
What is the relationship between the Human Development Index (HDI) and the World Happiness Index?
Answer:
Relationship: Both provide a comprehensive picture of a country’s progress. Generally, countries that rank high on the HDI also rank high on the Happiness Index.

• Difference: The HDI focuses primarily on development (health, education, income). The Happiness Index measures people’s self-esteem and life satisfaction (Subjective Well-being).
• Finland Example: Finland’s high ranking suggests that basic development (HDI) and people’s subjective well-being (happiness) go hand in hand.

Question 30.
What are the major Geographical divisions of Europe?
Answer:
Geographical Features
Europe has a diverse topography. The topography of Europe can be classified as follows:

• North Western Highlands
• Central Uplands
• North European Plains
• Alpine Mountain system

Question 31.
Explain the features of north western Highlands.
Answer:
North Western Highlands

• The high hills found in the North Western regions of Europe and the Scandinavian Plateau spread across Norway, Sweden, and Finland are the speciality of the North Western Highlands.
• Scandinavia is a popular destination for travellers with its snow-capped mountains, glaciers, fast-flowing rivers, beautiful forests, and lakes. Round-topped and gently sloping hills, formed as a result of long¬term glaciation and weathering, are found in many places.
• Fjords, which are found on the Scandinavian coast, are another feature of this region.

FJORDS
‘IT’ shaped valleys are valleys formed in a ‘U’ shape by the process of glacial erosion. Fjords are glacial valleys formed in this way on the coasts of high latitudes. Planktons grow abundantly in fjords where warm and cold-water currents meet. These areas are rich in fish as they come to feed on the planktons. Therefore, the Scandinavian region is famous for fishing.

Question 32.
Analyse the statement that “development is based on willpower and hard work rather than natural resources, using the example of Finland”.
Answer:
Land Of Happiness

• Finland topped the United Nations World Happiness Index in 2024. This is the seventh consecutive time that Finland has achieved this feat.
• Countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland which experience Scandinavian topography and Arctic climate, are all in the top ten of the World Happiness Index, behind Finland.

In addition, these countries also ranked highly on the Human Development Index prepared by the United Nations to assess the development of countries in the world. Many countries with favourable climate, topography, and natural resources are behind Finland in the happiness index. The will and hard work of the Finnish people to overcome adverse climate and topography and leap towards development can be set as an example to the world.

How Is The Happiness Index Prepared?
The happiness index is prepared based on six factors: Per Capita Income, social support, healthy life. expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.

Question 33.
What is the relevance of assessing the level of development of countries in the world using the Human Development Index (HDI)?
Answer:
HDI provides a comprehensive view of development, which is its relevance.
1. Multidimensional measure: Measures three main dimensions: income (economic status), life expectancy (health), and educational attainment (knowledge).

2. Beyond economic values: Evaluates how that growth is reflected in people’s lives, rather than just looking at economic growth (such as GDP).

3. Policy significance: It encourages countries to pay more attention to health and education in their development policies. A low HDI rank helps the government of that country shift its focus to citizen welfare.

Question 34.
“The four main borders of the European continent influence the lifestyle and culture of European countries.” Elucidate the statement.
Answer:

• North (Arctic Ocean): Due to the harsh cold, the people of Northern Europe became less dependent on nature and more focused on technology and social security systems.
• West (Atlantic Ocean): The Atlantic Ocean opened the door to new worlds for Europe. This led to colonisation and large-scale trade, and helped European culture spread around the world.
• South (Mediterranean Sea): The Mediterranean region maintained a temperate climate. This encouraged agriculture, ports, and shipping since ancient times, and laid the foundation for Western culture.
• East (Asia): Sharing a border with the Asian continent has led to cultural exchange and often political conflicts in Eastern Europe.

Question 35.
Write a note on the Alpine Mountain ranges.
Answer:
Alpine Mountain System

• The Alpine Mountain System is a series of fold mountains with parallel ranges located south of the Central Uplands.
• These mountain ranges extend from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east. The main Alpine Mountain ranges are the Alps, the Caucasus, and the Carpathians.
• Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus Mountains is the highest peak in Europe.

FOLD MOUNTAINS: The lithosphere, the outermost layer of the Earth composed of the crust, and the upper part of the mantle, is generally solid. The lithosphere is made up of irregularly shaped plates. These plates are several thousand kilometers wide and have an average thickness of 100 kilometres. Fold Mountains are mountains formed by the folding of rock layers at plate boundaries where plates collide with each other. Example: The Himalayas.

Question 36.
Explain the formation and characteristics of the North European Plains.
Answer:
North European Plains

• The North European Plains are located south of the North Western Highlands. It is also known as the Great European Plain.
• This plain extends from the Ural Mountains in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The plain has a fairly flat topography with small hills here and there.
• The North European Plain, which is very suitable for agriculture, was formed as a result of glacial deposits and by the alluvium deposits of the major rivers of Europe, the Volga, the Don, and the Dnieper.
• The Volga is the longest river in Europe. The steppes are the most widespread grassland in the North European Plain.

Glaciation And Weathering
Glaciers are moving mass of ice. As a result of their movement, different landforms are created and the surface is changed. This process is called glaciation. Weathering is the physical, chemical, or biological decomposition or disintegration of rocks on the Earth’s surface.

Question 37.
What are the factors that influence the climate of Europe? How do they contribute to the temperate climate in the south and west?
Answer:
The main factors that influence the climate of Europe are:
1. Latitude

2. Topography

3. Proximity to the Sea

• The southern and western parts of Europe experience a temperate climate mainly due to the influence of the ocean.
• However, the northern and eastern parts experience a dry winter climate due to the high latitude and the influence of mountains.

Question 38.
Describe the four major geographical divisions of Europe and give examples of each.
Answer:
North Western Highlands

• The high hills found in the North Western regions of Europe and the Scandinavian Plateau spread across Norway, Sweden, and Finland are the speciality of the North Western Highlands.
• Scandinavia is a popular destination for travellers with its snow-capped mountains, glaciers, fast-flowing rivers, beautiful forests, and lakes. Round-topped and gently sloping hills, formed as a result of long¬term glaciation and weathering, are found in many places.
• Fjords, which are found on the Scandinavian coast, are another feature of this region.

FJORDS
‘IT shaped valleys are valleys formed in a ‘U’ shape by the process of glacial erosion. Fjords are glacial valleys formed in this way on the coasts of high latitudes. Planktons grow abundantly in fjords where warm and cold-water currents meet. These areas are rich in fish as they come to feed on the planktons. Therefore, the Scandinavian region is famous for fishing.

North European Plains

• The North European Plains are located south of the North Western Highlands. It is also known as the Great European Plain.
• This plain extends from the Ural Mountains in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The plain has a fairly flat topography with small hills here and there.
• The North European Plain, which is very suitable for agriculture, was formed as a result of glacial deposits and by the alluvium deposits of the major rivers of Europe, the Volga, the Don, and the Dnieper.
• The Volga is the longest river in Europe. The steppes are the most widespread grassland in the North European Plain.

Glaciation And Weathering
Glaciers are moving mass of ice. As a result of their movement, different landforms are created and the
surface is changed. This process is called glaciation. Weathering is the physical, chemical, or biological
decomposition or disintegration of rocks on the Earth’s surface.

Central Uplands

• The Central Uplands are located to the south of the North European Plain.
• This area of land, filled with small hills, valleys, and plateaus, stretches from Ireland in the west to Russia in the east. The Rhine and Rhone rivers enrich this area with water.

The different landforms that make up the Central Uplands are listed below:

MAJOR LANDFORMS OF THE CENTRAL UPLANDS
Landforms	Country
Rhine Valley, Vosges Mountains, Jura Mountains, Central Massif Plateau	France
Ardennes Mountains	Belgium
Black Forest Mountains, Harz Mountains	Germany
Maseta Plateau	Spain
Bohemian Plateau	Czech Republic

Alpine Mountain System

• The Alpine Mountain System is a series of fold mountains with parallel ranges located south of the Central Uplands.
• These mountain ranges extend from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east. The main Alpine Mountain ranges are the Alps, the Caucasus, and the Carpathians.
• Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus Mountains is the highest peak in Europe.

FOLD MOUNTAINS: The lithosphere, the outermost layer of the Earth composed of the crust, and the upper part of the mantle, is generally solid. The lithosphere is made up of irregularly shaped plates. These plates are several thousand kilometers wide and have an average thickness of 100 kilometres. Fold Mountains are mountains formed by the folding of rock layers at plate boundaries where plates collide with each other. Example: The Himalayas.

Question 39.
Based on Finland’s development model, comprehensively assess whether favorable geographical conditions are essential for development.
Answer:
Favourable geographical conditions are helpful for development, but not essential.

• Importance of favourable conditions (limited): Good weather may be helpful for agriculture and abundant natural resources for industries in the beginning.
• Importance of the Finnish model (survival): Finland breaks this argument.
• Adversity: Finland had unfavourable conditions, including severe cold and limited light.
• Secret of success: It turned these challenges into opportunities with willpower and hard work. Excellent education and social security systems strengthened this willpower.
• Finland proves that the basis of development is not material resources, but human resources (Human Capital). Therefore, more important than favourable conditions are people’s knowledge, skills, and efforts.

Question 40.
Write a note on the Arctic and Sub-Arctic climate region.
Answer:
ARCTIC/TUNDRA CLIMATE

• Arctic parts of Europe experience a tundra climate. The Arctic/Tundra climate is characterised by short, cold summers and long, harsh winters.
• While summer temperature rises to 10°C, winter temperatures drop from -25°C to -40°C.
• There is no sunlight here for 5 to 6 months in winter.

Long nights, harsh winters, and precipitation in the form of ice prevent the growth of plants. Due to this, only shrubs, lichens, and mosses that can withstand the cold generally grow in this climate. The lack of vegetation in the tundra climate also affects the animal life here. Only a few animals such as wolf, reindeer, polar bear, and Arctic hare with thick fur that can survive the cold, can be seen here.

SUBARCTIC/TAIGA CLIMATE

• The Taiga climate is experienced in the subarctic regions that lie south of the tundra region.
  Although the short summers are mild and warm, winters are as harsh as those in the Arctic climate.
• Temperature is below 0°C for five to seven months of the year.
• Precipitation in the taiga climate is generally in the form of snow. The main vegetation of the taiga climate is evergreen forests with coniferous trees. The main trees are pine and cedar. Lynx, ermine, and silver fox are the prominent animals in the region.

Question 41.
How agriculture, fishing and industry influence the life of people?
Answer:
Agriculture
Regional diversity exists in agriculture, intensive farming, extensive farming, and mixed farming

Fishing
Fishing is a major occupation in the countries of Norway, Denmark, and Poland, which are bordered by the North Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. Cod, herring, salmon, halibut, and sea trout are abundant in these areas.

Great Fisher Bank
The Great Fisher Bank and Dogger Bank, on the coast of Denmark and Norway, are the most abundant fishing areas in Europe. In addition to these, the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the inland lakes support a thriving fishing industry.

Industry
The Industrial Revolution led Europe to development. Europe’s iron and steel industry, textile industry, and manufacturing sector gained world attention.
Automobile Manufacturing Industry in Europe: European countries are at the forefront of vehicle manufacturing. Many companies that built fighter planes, trucks, and tankers for their country’s military during the world wars later turned to the automotive sector. Audi, Ferrari, Bugatti, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Rolls-Royce, Scania, Volvo, and Porsche are all European automobile companies that have admirers all over the world.

Question 42.
Write a note on the Important cities of Europe.
Answer:
celebrations, Germany’s Oktoberfest, Spain’s La Tomatina, Bullfighting, the Netherlands’ King’s Day Carnival, and the Venice Carnival are some of the notable festivals.

• Famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and London Bridge, as well as cities that are famous for art, culture, and history, are major tourist attractions in Europe. Important Cities
• Paris: Paris is the most visited tourist place in Europe every year. Located on the banks of the Seine River, Paris is the capital of France. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum attract tourists to this city.
• London: Located on the banks of the Thames River, London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom.
• Berlin: Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany. This city is located on the banks of the Spree River.
• Moscow: Moscow is the capital of Russia. It is the largest city in Europe, located on the banks of the Moskva River.
• Rome: Rome, the capital of Italy, is located on the banks of the Tiber River. Many monuments of the Roman Empire and Christianity are located here. The Colosseum in Rome is one of the ancient wonders of the world. In addition to these, Madrid, Athens, Amsterdam, Vienna, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Dublin are other major cities in Europe.

Land of a Thousand lakes

• The northern European country of Finland is often referred to as the Land of a Thousand Lakes.
  Although it is often referred to as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, Finland is actually home to more than 100,000 lakes, numerous rivers, and vast wetlands.
• The Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland lie to the south of Finland, and the Gulf of Bothnia lies to the southwest. The landscape, climate, and culture here attract many tourists.

By reviewing Class 8 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus Chapter 9 Democracy: Meaning and Scope Important Questions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.

Democracy: Meaning and Scope Extra Questions and Answers Class 8 Social Science Chapter 9 Kerala Syllabus

Democracy: Meaning and Scope Class 8 Important Questions

Question 1.
Where did the democratic system originate?
Answer:
City-states of ancient Greece

Question 2.
Which was the most prominent Greek city-state?
a) Athens
b) Sparta
c) Corinth
d) Thebes
Answer:
a) Athens

Question 3.
What is the freedom that serves as the foundation of democracy?
a) Freedom to move
b) Freedom to assemble
c) Freedom to express
d) Freedom to organise
Answer:
c) Freedom to express

Question 4.
Arrange the given Table.

A	B
a. Political equality	Right to work
b. Social equality	Non-discrimination
c. Economic equality Right to vote	Right to vote

A) a -ii, b -iii, c -i
B) a -i, b – iii, c – ii
C) a – iii, b – ii, c – i
D) a -ii, b – i, c – iii
Answer:
C) a – iii, b – ii, c – i

Question 5.
Which is the oldest form of government in the world?
a) Theocratic state
b) Dictatorship
c) Monarchy
d) Party Dictatorship
Answer:
c) Monarchy

Question 6.
How many languages are currently listed in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
a) 22 languages
b) 18 languages
c) 32 languages
d) 20 languages
Answer:
a) 22 languages

Question 7.
Choose the correct answer by reading the given assertion and reason.
Assertion: In India, the government is formed by representatives elected by the people at the national and state levels.
Reason: An Election Commission exists to conduct free and fair elections in India.
a) Both assertion and reason are correct.
b) Both assertion and reason are wrong.
c) Assertion is correct, Reason is wrong
d) Assertion is wrong, Reason is correct.
Answer:
a) Both assertion and reason are correct

Question 8.
Find the ones from ‘B’ that correspond to category ‘A’ given below.

A	B
Universal Adult Franchise	Article 326 of the Indian Constitution 61st Constitutional Amendment 1985 18 years

a) i and ii are correct
b) ii and iii are correct
c) i and iii are correct
d) i, ii, iii, iv are correct
Answer:
d) i, ii, iii, iv are correct

Question 9.
Statement I: In Monarchy, all the power of the state is vested in the king/queen.
Statement II: In Dictatorship, all the powers of the state will be concentrated in one person
Analyse the above statements and choose the correct answer from the options given below.
a) Both the Statements are correct
b) Statement I only is correct
c) Statement II only is correct
d) Both the Statements are not correct
Answer:
a) Both the Statements are correct

Question 10.
Define Democracy?
Answer:
Democracy is not only a system of government but also a value. Democracy is built on the foundation of ideas such as Liberty, Equality, Justice, and Rights. Democracy consists of governments that respect these values and do not intrude upon them.

Question 11.
Define freedom? What are the important freedoms?
Answer:
Freedom is defined as the absence of restrictions. That is, a state devoid of any external restrictions on individuals. The important freedoms are freedom to move, freedom to organise, freedom to assemble and freedom to express.

Question 12.
Why is modern democracy called Constitutionalism? –
Answer:
In a democracy, there are limits to the activities of the government. These limits are set by the Constitution. That is why modem democracy is called Constitutionalism.

Question 13.
Explain the origin of the word Democracy.
Answer:
The word ‘democracy,’ meaning the power of the people, is derived from the Greek words ‘Demos’ meaning people, and ‘Kratos’ meaning power.

Question 14.
Define Rights.
Answer:
Rights are essential for the existence and growth of democracy. Rights are the conditions necessary to lead a dignified and meaningful life as human beings. What we desire or wish for is not necessarily a right. It is merely a claim. Only legally recognised claims are considered rights.

Question 15.
The rule of law is one of the basic values of democracy. Explain.
Answer:
The essence of the rule of law is that everyone is equal before the law and everyone will receive equal legal protection. The general laws of the country will apply equally to everyone. There will be no special laws for any group. Similarly, the government can fulfil its duties only through the process and principles prescribed by the legal system.

Question 16.
Which are the two houses of the Indian Parliament?
Answer:
The Upper house – Rajya Sabha
The lower house – Lok Sabha

Question 17.
Explain the role and composition of the National Election Commission of India.
Answer:
The Election Commission is a constitutional institution in India for conducting free and fair elections. The Election Commission conducts elections to the office of President and Vice President, as well as to Parliament and state legislatures. The Election Commission is composed of a Chief Election Commissioner and two other Commissioners.

Question 18.
Analyse the democracy that existed in Greece.
Answer:
All decisions concerning the state were made directly by the citizens. Similarly, the military leaders and judges were directly elected by the people. In this way, the democratic system in which the people directly participate in governance and law-making is called Direct Democracy. However, its greatest limitation was that slaves and women did not participate in the democratic system.

Question 19.
Explain the characteristics of indirect democracy or representative democracy.
Answer:
Representative Democracy or Indirect Democracy is a system in which the people elect their representatives to govern. In a parliamentary democratic system, the government is governed by a council of ministers that is collectively responsible to the parliament. Adult franchise and civil rights are milestones in the history of British parliamentary democracy.

Question 20.
What are the three dimensions of equality?
Answer:

• Political equality
• Social equality
• Economic equality

Question 21.
Political parties play an important role in strengthening democracy. Elucidate the statement.
Answer:
Political parties are an essential element in a modem democracy. They play an important role in creating political awareness and shaping public opinion in a democracy. Political parties facilitate the functioning of a democracy. The conferences, marches and speeches they hold are the most powerful political education programmes in a democracy. The aim of political parties is to win elections and gain political power by turning public opinion in their favour.

Question 22.
What are the devices of direct democracy?
Answer:

• Referendum
• Recall
• Plebiscite
• Initiative

Question 23.
Explain the relationship between freedom and restrictions.
Answer:
Freedom is not complete in the absence of restrictions. Therefore, some instructions and rules that individuals should and should not do are necessary for social life. It restricts the intrusion upon another person’s freedom. The value of freedom becomes meaningful only in a system where each individual respects the freedom of others. The thought that one’s own opinions and beliefs are more powerful than those of others leads to conflicts. In such cases, legal and political restrictions are needed.

Question 24.
What does equality mean?
Answer:
Equality is the view that all people in the world are unique and valuable, regardless of discrimination based on religion, colour, gender, race, language, or nationality. However, equality does not mean that everyone should be treated the same way in all situations. It cannot be said that giving different considerations to different persons according to their ability is a violation of the concept of equality.

Question 25.
Explain the three dimensions of equality.
Answer:

Political Equality	Social Equality	Economic Equality
Right to vote	Non-discrimination	Right to work
Right to contest elections	Equal status	Equal pay for equal work
Right to hold public office	Equal opportunities	Right to leisure

Question 26.
What are the four ways in which Parliament can exercise control over the Council of Ministers?
Answer:

• Adjournment Motion
• Question Hour
• Calling – Attention Motion
• Zero Hour

Question 27.
Compare and contrast the features of the parliamentary system and the presidential system.
Answer:

Features of the Parliamentary System	Features of the Presidential System
The executive branch is controlled by the legislature	The executive branch and the legislature are separate
The powers of the head of the state are nominal	The President serves both as the head of state and the head of government
The head of state is the King/ Queen/President	All executive powers are vested in the President
The head of government is the Prime Minister	The President is directly elected by the people
The Prime Minister is the leader of the party that has the majority in the legislature	The President is not accountable to the legislature
The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the legislature

Question 28.
Explain the three principles of Justice.
Answer:

Equal Treatment for Equals	Proportionate Justice	Recognition of Special Needs
As human beings, all individuals deserve equal rights and equal consideration No discrimination on the basis of class, caste, religion, gender, or race	Justice should be proportionate to the ability and contribution of each person There is no injustice in treating each person separately according to their ability	In a society where inequality exists, the weaker section and the backward can enjoy equality only if special rights are granted Methods such as reservation can be adopted to ensure equality

Question 29.
Explain different types of rights.
Answer:

Political Rights	Civil Rights
Right to vote Right to contest elections Right to hold public office Right to criticise the government	Equality before the law Right to a free and fair trial Right to assemble and organise Freedom of expression
Economic Rights	Cultural Rights
Right to work Right to receive minimum wages Equal rights over the resources and property of the states	Right to preserve language and script Right to educate in the mother tongue Right of indigenous people to preserve their cultural heritage

Question 30.
There are many governments in the world that do not adhere to democracy. Elucidate the statement.
Answer:

Monarchy	The oldest form of government Power is transferred by inheritance All the power of the state is vested in the king/queen
Dictatorship	All the powers of the state will be concentrated in one person No one has the right to question or criticise the person who becomes the supreme leader of the state All forms of democracy, including elections, will be banned
Military Dictatorship	The military will rule directly There will be no democratic rights or other forms of democracy Protests and criticism will be suppressed by military force
Party Dictatorship	Only one political party governs All the powers of the state are concentrated in the party Democratic values, including freedom of expression, are completely prohibited
Theocratic State	Clergy will directly rule the state according to religious laws The official religion of the state shall be the basis of the legal system Everyone shall be obliged to believe in and follow the official religion

By reviewing Class 8 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus Chapter 8 National Movement and Kerala Important Questions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.

National Movement and Kerala Extra Questions and Answers Class 8 Social Science Chapter 8 Kerala Syllabus

National Movement and Kerala Class 8 Important Questions

Question 1.
Arrange the following in chronological order:
i) Kurichyar Rebellion
ii) End of Pazhassi
iii) Srirangapatnam Treaty
iv) Kundara Proclamation
A) ii – i – iii – iv
B) iii – i – ii – iv
C) iii – ii – iv – i
D) iv – iii – i – ii
Answer:
C) iii – ii – iv – i

Question 2.
Arrange the columns ‘B’ according to the given columns ’A’.
A) a-ii, b-iv, c-i, d-ii
B) a – iii, b – iv, c-i, d-ii
C) a-iii, b – ii, c. iv, d – i
D) a -ii, b – i, c -iii, d – iv
Answer:
B) a – iii, b – iv, c-i, d-ii

Question 3.
Complete section ‘B’ by understanding the relationships in section ‘A’.
I. a. Samatva Samaj: Vaikunta Swamikal
b. Sadhujana Paripalana sangham: __________

II. a. Araya samajam: Pandit K.P. Karuppan
b. Atmavidya Sangham:
Answer:
I. Ayyankali
II. Vagbhatananda

Question 4.
Who led the Kurichyar rebellion?
Answer:
Rama Nambi or Rama Moopan

Question 5.
Match the following.

A	B
a. Vaikunta Swamikal	i. Pratyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha
b. Sree Narayana Guru	ii. Yogakshema Sabha
c. Poikayil Yohannan	iii. Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam
d. V.T Bhattathiripad	iv. Samatva Samaj

A) a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i
B) a – iv, b – ii, c-i, d -iii
C) a-iii, b-ii, c-iv, d-i
D) a -iv, b – iii, c -i, d – ii
Answer:
D) a -iv, b – iii, c -i, d – ii

Question 6.
Complete section ‘B’ by understanding the relationships in section ‘A’
I.
a. Travancore Muslim Mahajana Sabha: Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi
b. Sadhujana Paripala Sangham: __________

II.
a. Nair Service Society: Mannath Padmanabhan
b. Araya Samajam: __________

III.
a. Yogakshema sabha: V.T. Bhattathiripad
b. Atmavidya Sangham: __________
Answer:
I. Ayyankali
II. Pandit K. P Karuppan
III. Vagbhatanandha

Question 7.
Who wrote the play “ Adukkalayil Ninnu Arangathekku”? #
Answer:
V. T. Bhattathiripad

Question 8.
Who performed ‘Shiva prathishta’ at Aruvippuram?
Answer:
Sree Narayana Guru

Question 9.
Who performed the first ‘Kannadi Prathishta’ in South India?
Answer:
Vaikunta Swamikal

Question 10.
Choose the correct answer from the following.
(i) Who conducted the Villuvandi strike?
a. Ayyankali
b. Pandit. K.P Karuppan
c. Vagbhatananda
d. V.T Bhattathiripad
Answer:
a. Ayyankali

(ii) Who is the volunteer captain of Guruvayur Sathyagraha?
a. K.Kelappan ,
b. A. K. Gopalan
c. Ayyankali
d. V.T. Bhattathiripad
Answer:
b. A. K. Gopalan

(iii) Who led Kallumala Strike?
a. Mannath Padmanabhan
b. Poikayil Yohannan
c. Ayyankali
d. Pandit K.P. Karuppan
Answer:
c. Ayyankali

Question 11.
Arrange the following in chronological order.
i. Guruvayur Satyagraha
ii. Paliyam Satyagraha
iii. Vaikom Satyagraha
iv. Upper cloth Agitation
a. i, iii, iv, ii
b. iv, iii, i, ii
c. i, iv, ii, iii
d. iii, ii, i, iv
Answer:
b. iv, iii, i, ii

a. Upper cloth agitation: 1859
b. Vaikom Satyagraha: 1924-25
c. Guruvayur Satyagraha: 1931
d. Paliyam Satyagraha: 1947-48

Question 12.
Who led the Salt Satyagraha in Payyanur?
Answer:
K. Kelappan

Question 13.
Who proposed the Salt Satyagraha at Kozhikode?
Answer:
Muhammad Abdur Rahman Sahib

Question 14.
Who were the main leaders of the Malabar Rebellion?
Answer:
Ali Musliyar, Variyankunnath Kunjahammed Haji and M. P. Narayana Menon.

Question 15.
Who is the Prime Minister of the first Congress ministry that came to power in Kochi?
Answer:
Ikkanda Warrier

Question 16.
Write the following in chronological Order.
i. Elecricity strike
ii. Nivarthanam
iii. Malabar Rebellion
iv. Kochi Rajya Praja Mandal
a. i, iii, iv, ii ,
b. ii, iii, i, iv
c. i, iv, ii, iii
d. iii, ii, i, iv
Answer:
d. iii, ii, i, iv

a. Malabar Rebellion: 1921
b. Nivarthanam: 1932
c. Electricity strike: 1936
d. Kochi Rajya Praja Mandal: 1941

Question 17.
Who is the first Chief minister of Kerala?
Answer:
E.M.S. Nambhoodiripad

Question 18.
Who is the first president of the Travancore State Congress?
Answer:
Pattom Thanu Pillai

Question 1.
__________ become enlightened through knowledge. .
Answer:
Sree Narayana Guru

Question 20.
Choose the correction option from the following.
Statement 1: In 1921, the All Kerala Provincial Conference was held at Ottapalam.
Statement 2: The conference included representatives from Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore.
Options:
A. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true, and Statement 2 is the correct explanation of Statement 1.
B. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true, but Statement 2 is not the correct explanation of Statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false.
D. Statement 1 is false, but Statement 2 is true.
Answer:
A. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true, and Statement 2 is the correct explanation of Statement 1.

• The base was shifted to Wayanad
• The local people were added
• Guerrilla warfare was waged

Question 22.
What were the factors recorded in William Logan’s inquiry report as the causes of the peasant revolts in Malabar?
Answer:

• Tax policies of the British government
• Exploitation and eviction of landlords

Question 23.
Write the causes of the Electricity Strike in Thrissur?
Answer:
The Diwan of Kochi, R. K. Shanmukham Chetty, decided to hand over the electricity supply of Thrissur to a private company. In 1936, there was a popular uprising against the decision. Although the government suppressed the protest, this strike helped mobilise people to the forefront of the protest.

Question 24.
Write the name of w omen activists w ho actively participated in Indian National Movement?
Answer:

• A.V. Kuttimalu Amma
• Ammu Swaminathan
• Akkamma Cheriyan
• Annie Mascarene

Question 25.
What is the objective of Paliyam Satyagraha?
Answer:
The Paliyam Satyagraha of 1947-48 was another protest in Kerala for the abolition of untouchability. The marginalised sections of the people were prohibited from walking on the road in front of Paliath Achan’s residence in Chennamangalam, Kochi.

Question 26.
Why Malabar peasants rebellion is known as Mappila riots?
Answer:
There were protests and violence by farmers against exploitative landlords and the British government. Since most of the participants were Mappila farmers of South Malabar, the British authorities and imperial historians referred to these uprisings as the “Mappila riots”

Question 27.
Complete the table by examining the important events that led to the formation of Aikya Kerala.

Answer:
A. Payyannur Congress Conference: 1928
B. Reorganise the states of India based on Language

Question 28.
Write a note on the Abstention Movement.
Answer:
The 1932 ‘Nivarthanam’ or Abstention Movement was a powerful political agitation in Travancore. The Christian, Muslim, and Ezhava communities formed a political committee and led the movement jointly. They demanded proportional representation in government jobs and in the Legislative Assembly. C. Kesavan, N. V. Joseph and P. K. Kunju led the movement. The activities for responsible government in Travancore were carried out under the auspices of the Travancore State Congress. Pattom Thanu Pillai was the first president of the Travancore State Congress. They organised the agitation through petitions and direct-action protests.

Question 29.
What are the measures the British took against the Kurichyar and Kurumbrar?
Answer:

• The tribal people’s tracts of land were seized
• They were not allowed to continue their traditional methods of farming
• The British demanded money instead of goods as tax

Question 30.
a. Name the organisation formed under the leadership of Ikkanda Warrier.
b. What was its main objective?
Answer:
a. Kochi Rajya Praja Mandal
b. It was decided to hold a nationwide protest to achieve responsible government and 29 July 1946 was observed as “Responsible Government Day.” Later, the Praja Mandal merged with the Indian National Congress. Ikkanda Warrier became the Prime Minister, and the first Congress ministry came to power in Kochi.

Question 31.
Explain the formation of the Congress Socialist Party in Kerala and its role in peasant struggles.
Answer:
In 1934, Congress workers who supported socialist ideas met at Kozhikode under the leadership of K. Kelappan. They decided to form a socialist group within the Indian National Congress, called the Congress Socialist Party (CSP). The faction was led by P. Krishna Pillai, E. M. S. Namboothiripad, and A. K. Gopalan. The CSP played an important role in Kerala by organising several peasant struggles, fighting against landlord oppression and promoting the rights of farmers, which strengthened the broader national movement.

Question 32.
Write a note on Punnapra-Vayalar Struggle.
Answer:

• This struggle was against the tyranny of C. P. Ramaswamy Iyer, the Diwan of Travancore, and for the establishment of responsible government.
• Since the struggle took place in Punnapra and Vayalar in Alappuzha, it became known as the Punnapra- Vayalar Struggle.
• It was carried out in 1946 by farmers and workers under the leadership of the Communist Party.

Question 33.
What does British take the various measures against the Pazhassi.
Answer:

• Military camps were set up at strategic places
• New roads were built
• Rice supply to Wayanad was cut off
• A reward was announced for those who nab the participants in the rebellion

Question 34.
Describe the major activities of the national movement in Malabar and the role of important leaders.
Answer:
The national movement was more active in Malabar than in other parts of Kerala. The formation of the Malabar District Congress Committee and the activities of the Home Rule League propelled the national movement forward. The Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements received strong support throughout Malabar.

• As part of the struggle, people boycotted foreign-made goods, courts, schools and other government institutions. The strike witnessed active participation of women and students.
• The prominent leaders during the time were C. Kunhirama Menon, K. Kelappan, U. Gopala Menon, K. P. Kesava Menon, Muhammed Abdur Rahiman Sahib, E. Moidu Moulavi and Moyarath Sankaran.
• When the Salt Satyagraha gathered momentum all over India under the leadership of (iandhiji as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement, its impact was also felt in Kerala.
• The centre of the Salt Satyagraha in Kerala was Payyannur in Malabar.
• The satyagraha was led by K. Kelappan.

Satyagrahis from various parts of Kerala reached the Payyannur beach and participated. Also, under the leadership of Muhammad Abdur Rahman, the Satyagrahis violated the law and made salt on the beach at Kozhikode. The people who gathered there had to suffer the brutal thrashings of the police. The boycott of foreign clothes, picketing of liquor shops and the Khadi campaign were all part of the struggle.

Question 35.
Explain the Paliyam Satyagraha and its significance in the struggle against untouchability in Kerala.
Answer:
The Paliyam Satyagraha (1947-48) was an important protest in Kerala against untouchability. At that time, marginalised communities were not allowed to walk along the road in front of Paliath Achan’s residence in Chennamangalam, Kochi. To oppose this injustice, political parties and community organisations jointly organised the satyagraha. C. Kesavan and other leaders led the protest. The government tried to stop the satyagraha by arresting and torturing the protestors. However, the struggle continued strongly. In 1948, when all the temples in Kochi were opened to people of all castes, the ban on walking along Paliyam Road was finally removed. The satyagraha became a major step towards ending untouchability and ensuring equal rights for everyone in Kerala.

Question 36.
Write a note on Kurichyar Rebellion.
Answer:

• The Kurichyar and Kurumbrar are tribal groups in Wayanad.
• The British considered them enemies after they supported Pazhassi in this rebellion.

Measures the British took against the Kiirichyar and Kurumbrar:

• The tribal people’s tracts of land were seized
• They were not allowed to continue their traditional methods of farming
• The British demanded money instead of goods as tax

The Kurichyar rebellion began in 1812. The tribal people fought against the British by taking control of the routes to Wayanad and by gaining local support. Rama Nambi or Rama Mooppan was their leader. They directly attacked the British army stationed at Sultan Bathery and Mananthavadv. But the British suppressed the Kurichyar rebellion by bringing in more soldiers from other places.

Peasant Discontent – Leads to Rebellion
A series of rebellions broke out in various parts of Malabar in the nineteenth century. William Logan, the Malabar District Collector, recorded in his investigation report that the British government’s tax policies, exploitation and eviction of landlords were the causes of these riots. There was protest and violence by farmers against the exploitative landlords and the British government. Since most of the participants were Mappila farmers of South Malabar, the British authorities and imperial historians referred to these uprisings as the ‘Mappila riots.’

Question 37.
Write a note on the Protest Led by Velu Thampi Dalawa and Paliath Achan against the British.
Answer:

• Velu Thampi was the Dalawa, or Prime Minister of Balarama Varma Maharaja, who ruled
  Trava ncore.
• In 1805, through an agreement signed between the English East India Company and the King of Travancore marked the end of the political freedom of Travancore.
• The British Resident Macaulay took control of the administration of Travancore.
• He cancelled the orders issued by Velu Thampi, the Dalawa (Prime Minister) of Travancore.
• Macaulay demanded immediate payment of tax arrears to the British company.
• This led to a conflict between Velu Thampi and the British.
• The Prime Minister of Kochi, Paliath Achan, also faced problems with Macaulay.
• Velu Thampi and Paliath Achan made a secret agreement to fight against the British.
• The joint forces of Travancore and Kochi attacked Macaulay’s camp in Kochi, but Macaulay escaped.
• On 11 January 1809, Velu Thampi issued the “Kundara Proclamation” at Kundara in Travancore.
• In this proclamation, he called on the people to fight against British rule.
• The Kundara Proclamation became a symbol of the people’s resistance against the British.

Kochi And Paliath Achan
Paliath Achan had opposed the interference of the British Resident Macaulay in the internal affairs of Kochi. Besides, Macaulay gave shelter to an enemy of Paliath Achan which worsened the situation. Then Paliath Achan joined hands with Velu Thampi and launched a struggle against the British. Although he strongly resisted the British, he was eventually exiled to Madras by them.

Paliath Achan: The heads of the Nair family called Paliyam in the Kochi kingdom were called Paliath Achan. The Paliath Achans held the position of being the Chief of Ministers or the Prime Minister of the Kochi kingdom.

Question 38.
“Social Reformers are those who fought against the irrational customs”. Justify the statement with examples of social reformers with their activities.
Answer:

Question 39.
Describe the Malayali Memorial and the Ezhava Memorial.
Answer:

Malayali Memorial	Ezhava Memorial
Demand for adequate representation of people of Travancore in government jobs in Travancore.	Demand for adequate representation of Ezhava community in government service.
On 1 January 1891, a petition signed by the people was submitted to the Maharaja, stating this demand	On 3 September 1986, a petition signed by members of the ezahava community was submitted to the Maharaja
Leadership- G.P. Pillai	Leadership-Dr. P. Palpu

Question 40.
Write a note on struggles for Civil Liberty.
Answer:
Upper Cloth Agitation

• The women of the Channar community of South Travancore did not have the right to wear upper cloth like the women who were considered to be the upper caste.
• The Channar women, who appeared in public places wearing upper cloth with the support of Christian missionaries, were attacked by those who were considered to be the upper caste and their upper cloth was tom off.
• Subsequently, riots broke out in many places in Southern Travancore.
• On July 26, 1859, the Maharaja of Travancore issued a decree removing restrictions on Channar women to wear upper cloth.

Vaikom Satyagraha

• The Vaikom Satyagraha was a major struggle for the freedom of travelling that took place in Kerala when the national movement was gaining strength.
• The people who were considered inferior were not allowed to walk on the approach roads of Vaikom temple. The satyagraha began on March 30, 1924, in protest against this discrimination. This satyagraha was led by T. K. Madhavan, K. Kelappan, K. P. Kesava Menon and others.
• The Vaikom Satyagraha, which attracted national attention, ended with the mediation of Mahatma Gandhi. On November 23, 1925, all the roads on all three sides of the temple (except two lanes leading to the Eastern Gate) were opened to all Hindus.

Guruvayursatyagraha

• The Guruvayur Satyagraha was a movement that demanded all sections of Hindus be allowed to enter the Guruvayur temple.
• The Satyagraha began on 1 November 1931 with the formation of a committee under the leadership of K. Kelappan and Mannath Padmanabhan.
• When the protest intensified, the authorities were forced to close the temple for approximately a month. The volunteer captains of the movement, A. K. Gopalan and P. Krishna Pillai, were brutally beaten by opponents of the Satyagraha.
• When K. Kelappan began a ‘fast unto death’ in front of the temple, many people came from different places to support it. Finally, the fast was ended on the instructions of Gandhiji.
• When the Congress held a plebiscite in Ponnani taluk to ascertain public opinion about the temple entry, the majority of the people supported it.
• In this way, the Guruvayur Satyagraha helped to create a favourable atmosphere for the entry of all sections of Hindus to the temple.

Savarna Jatha
To express solidarity with the Vaikom Satyagraha, a procession was organised from Vaikom to Thiruvananthapuram under the leadership of Mannath Padmanabhan. This is known as the ‘Savama Jatha.’

Pali Yam Satyagraha

• The Paliyam Satyagraha of 1947-48 was another protest in Kerala for the abolition of untouchability.
• The marginalised sections of the people were prohibited from walking on the road in front of the residence of Paliath Achan at Chennamangalam in Kochi.
• The Palyiam Satyagraha was organised by political parties and community organisations in protest against this injustice.
• The government responded with arrests and torture to suppress the satyagraha led by C. Kesavan and others.
• In 1948, when all the temples in Kochi were opened to everyone regardless of caste, restrictions on walking along Paliyam Road were lifted.

By reviewing Kerala Syllabus 8th Standard Social Science Notes Pdf and Class 8 Social Science Chapter 13 Building New Nations Notes Questions and Answers Kerala SCERT Solutions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.

Class 8 Social Science Chapter 13 Building New Nations Notes Questions and Answers

Class 8 Social Science Building New Nations Notes Questions and Answers

Class 8 Social Science Chapter 13 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Question 1.

Answer:

• The right to life
• The right to liberty
• The right to well-being

Question 2.
Find and list out the colonies established by the Pilgrim Fathers from the figure.

Answer:
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina
South Carolina, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia

Question 3.
Discuss and prepare a note on how the trade laws helped to exploit the colonies.
Answer:
The trade laws introduced by Britain greatly exploited the colonies by controlling all their economic
activities. Colonies were allowed to transport goods only in British or colonial ships, which increased Britain’s profits. Important goods like wool and tobacco could be exported to Europe only through England, and even goods from Europe had to pass through England before reaching the colonies. This prevented the colonies from trading freely and forced them to sell their products at low prices and buy goods at higher rates. The Stamp Act further burdened them with additional taxes on legal documents and newspapers. Through these laws, Britain gained wealth while the colonies remained economically dependent and powerless.

Question 4.
Prepare a flowchart including the main events related to the Continental Congress.
Answer: Opposition to British Laws → Growing Unity Among Colonies → Representatives Meet at Philadelphia → Continental Congress Formed.

First Philadelphia Congress – 1774

• 12 colonies except Georgia participated
• It was decided to suspend trade with Britain until the grievances were resolved

Second Philadelphia Congress – 1775

• Olive Branch Petition was submitted before the King of Britain
• George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the American army
• War with Britain commenced

Third Philadelphia Congress – 1776

• The famous Declaration of Independence was issued
• It was drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

Question 5.
Complete the diagram.

Answer:

Question 6.
Prepare a wall magazine including the events that led to the formation of the United States of America.
Answer:
(Hints: Prepare a wall magazine by using the given steps)
Step 1: Select a Title

Step 2: Collect Key Events

• Thirteen Colonies
• British Taxes and Acts
• Boston Tea Party
• First Continental Congress
• Second Continental Congress
• Declaration of Independence
• American Revolutionary War
• Treaty of Paris
• Formation of the Constitution

Step 3: Write Short Captions

Step 4: Include Pictures/Drawings

Question 7.
Prepare a note discussing how the inequality that existed in the North American states and the South American states caused conflict between them.
Answer:
The Northern and Southern states of America grew very differently, which created inequality and conflict between them. The North developed industries and used paid labour, while the South depended on large plantations that relied on enslaved African workers. Because of this, the North opposed slavery, but the South strongly supported it to protect its economy. As new states were added to the nation, both sides argued over whether slavery should be allowed there. These disagreements increased tension and mistrust, and the inequality between the two regions eventually became a major cause of conflict, leading to open clashes and later the Civil War.

Question 8.
Organise an open forum on ‘Slavery and Civil War in America.’
Answer:
(Hints)
The Europeans brought slaves from Africa to America for agricultural purposes until the early 19th century. The people of the northern states discouraged the system of slavery. With a view to abolishing the system of slavery, activities had been started long before under the leadership of John Woolman. As. a result of his Work, the importation of slaves into the United States was banned in 1808. The southern states, which were in favour of slavery, argued that slavery was necessary for the existence of plantation agriculture, and setting them free was u danger to the country. However, the northern states argued that one man keeping another man as his own property Was contrary to the ideals of the Constitution of the United States. Abraham Lincoln was a leader of the Republican Party that was committed to ending * slavery. He was elected President in 1860. Thirteen states, led by South Carolina, left the Union. They formed a new alliance called ‘The Confederate States of America’ to protect their rights. However, the northern states questioned the right to leave the Union. This led to Civil War.

Question 9.
Discuss and prepare a note on the role of Abraham Lincoln in maintaining the unity of America.
Answer:
In 1861, war broke out between the Confederate States and the Union States. The Union States finally won in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation so as to free the slaves in the United States. This is known as the famous Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln expressed his sympathy for the defeated southern states. He was able to achieve his goal of abolishing slavery while maintaining the unity of the United States.

Question 10.
In our day, the peasants have been robbed-by means of all the tricks and achievements, all the progress of civilisation-robbed to such an extent that they are starving, eating goosefoot, eating lumps of dirt in lieu of bread, suffering from scurvy, and dying in agony. At the same time, the Russian landlords, with Nicholas II as their head, and the Russian capitalists are raking in money wholesale…

Lenin, Collected Works, Volume 17, page 527.
(Trans, by DoraCox)

From the above statements, what can we learn about the lives of the peasants and the common people in Russia? How did these circumstances lead the Russian people to revolution?
Answer:
Lenin’s statement shows that the peasants and common people in Russia lived in miserable and inhuman conditions. They were heavily exploited by landlords, capitalists, and the government under Tsar Nicholas II. Peasants were so poor that they often starved, survived on wild plants, or even ate mud, while the ruling classes grew richer. This extreme inequality, hunger, and suffering created deep anger and frustration among the people. As their hardships increased and the government ignored their misery, the peasants and workers began to demand change. These harsh circumstances leading to the Russian Revolution.

Question 11.
Prepare a note evaluating the circumstances that led to the growth of political parties in Russia.
Answer:
The domination and exploitation of foreign capitalists led to the formation of trade unions among the peasants and workers. This led to the growth of political awareness among them. It is in this context that political parties were formed.

Question 12.
Prepare a flip album including various events that led to the February Revolution and the October Revolution.
Answer:
(Hints: Prepare a flip album by using the given key events)
February Revolution – Key Events

• Women workers struck work on March 8, 1917, shouting “Down with the autocracy.”
• Workers and soldiers joined together in protest.
• Tsar Nicholas II was forced to step down on March 15. 1917.
• A Provisional Government under Kerensky was formed.

October Revolution – Key Events

• Lenin said the Provisional Government served capitalists and must be replaced by the Soviets.
• The Red Guard was formed to lead the uprising.
• Bolsheviks captured key offices: postal, railway stations, and banks.
• They seized the Winter Palace and overthrew Kerensky’s government.

Question 13.
Prepare model slides necessary to create a presentation on the circumstances that led to the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Answer:

• Slide 1: Title Slide (Formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
• Slide 2: Background of Russia Before Revolution (Low wages, long working hours)
• Slide 3: February Revolution (1917)
• Slide 4: Rise of Lenin & Bolsheviks
• Slide 5: October Revolution (1917)
• Slide 6: Economic Challenges After Revolution
• Slide 7: New Economic Policy (NEP), 1921
• Slide 8: Formation of USSR
• Slide 9: Conclusion

Question 14.
Discuss and prepare a note on how the Opium War led to the strengthening of European dominance in China.
Answer:
The foreign powers came to China with commercial interest. European traders made huge profits from China through the opium trade. The use of opium, a narcotic substance, quickly spread in China, which harmed the health of the people and drained the wealth of the nation. This resulted in a war between China and Britain, known as the ‘Opium War.’ China was defeated in this war. After that, according to the Treaty of Nanking, the major ports of China, Canton, Amoy, Ningbo, and Shanghai, were opened to foreign trade.

Question 15.
Prepare a pamphlet discussing the role of Sun Yat-sen and his ideas in ending the monarchy in China.
Answer:
After the boxer rebellion, the emperor implemented some reforms in China. However, the reforms of the emperor did not satisfy the people of China. The people believed that China could be liberated from Western powers only if the Manchu dynasty which ruled China was overthrown from power. They were led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen. He put forward the ideas of nationalism, democracy, and socialism. The Kuomintang Party was formed to achieve this goal. Following the revolution of 1911, the Manchu dynasty was overthrown from power and a republican government was formed.

Question 16.
Prepare a profile album by discussing the role of Mao Zedong in the formation of the People’s Republic.
Answer:
The Chinese Communist Party, formed in 1921 under the leadership of Mao Zedong, was able to influence the peasants and workers. Russia helped the Kuomintang Republic for the progress in various areas of China. Sun Yat-sen, who maintained close ties with the communists, died in 1925. Chiang Kai-shek who came to power after the death of Sun Yat-sen opened up coal and iron production, banking, insurance, and foreign trade to foreign powers. As a result, foreign powers controlled over all sectors. Through this, they took a huge amount of money from China. The Communist Party under the leadership of Mao Zedong opposed these policies. The Red Army led this resistance. In 1934, Mao Zedong organised his famous ‘Long March’ by rallying peasants gnd workers. On April 21, 1949, the Red Army captured Nanjing, the capital of the Kuomintang government. Then, on October first, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, China was declared the People’s Republic of China.

Class 8 Building New Nations Questions and Answers Extended Activities

Question 1.
Prepare a digital presentation including the events that led to the American War of Independence.
Answer:
(Hints: Prepare a digital presentation by including the given major events)

• British Exploitation of the Colonies
• Imposition of Heavy Taxes
• Boston Tea Party (1773)
• The First Continental Congress (1774)
• Outbreak of the War (1775)
• Declaration of Independence (1776)

Question 2.
Prepare a list of the regions that were annexed to the USSR after the Russian Revolution.
Answer:

• Russia
• Ukraine
• Belarus
• Transcaucasian Region, which included:
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Georgia

Question 3.
Collect information on major revolutions in the world and prepare a digital album.
Answer:
(Hints: Collect information about the given revolutions using the Internet and prepare a digital album.) Major Revolutions:

• American Revolution
• French Revolution
• Haitian Revolution
• Industrial Revolution
• Russian Revolution
• Chinese Revolution

Question 4.
Present the major events related to the Russian Revolution and the Chinese Revolution through mind mapping.
Answer:

Aspect	Russian Revolution	Chinese Revolution
Main Causes	Autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II Poverty, food shortage Harsh working conditions	Foreign domination in China Poverty & inequality
Leaders	Vladimir Lenin Leon Trotsky Tsar Nicholas II	Sun Yat-sen Mao Zedong Chiang Kai-shek
Outcomes	End of Tsarist monarchy Establishment of USSR	Formation of Republic of China Establishment of People’s Republic of China

Building New Nations Class 8 Notes Pdf

Std 8 Social Science Building New Nations Notes

• The Puritans were a Christian group in England. They were conservative in matters of worship.
• Seven Year War is the war between Britain and France to ensure trade monopoly. It began in 1756 and ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763.
• In 1781, the American army under the leadership of George Washington defeated the English army led by Cornwallis at Yorktown with the help of France and Spain.
• Slavery is one of the basic reasons for the conflict between the American states.
• The Civil War was the most complicated event that the United States of America faced after the Revolution. –
• The League of Nations defined slavery as the condition in which a person is subject to the absolute power of another.
• The anti-slavery newspaper The Liberator and Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book Uncle Tom’s Cabin strengthened public sentiment against slavery.
• Abraham Lincoln was a leader of the Republican Party that was committed to ending slavery.
• On January 1,1863, Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation so as to free the slaves in the United States. This is known as the famous Emancipation Proclamation.
• The autocratic rulers who ruled Russia were known as Tsars.
• The massacre in St. Petersburg on January 22,1905, is known as ‘Bloody Sunday.’
• There were two classes of people in Russian society. The common people consisted of workers and peasants, and the wealthy class consisted of nobles and capitalists.
• Writers also played a major role in creating a favourable environment for the revolution.
• On March 8,1917, women workers led a strike and march in Petrograd, shouting the slogan “Down with the autocracy.”
• Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Party, brought the Russian Revolution’to its completion.
• Lenin took several revolutionary measures in the economic sphere. The New Economic Policy was a
  reform implemented by Lenin in 1921. i EXAMPOiNT
• The use of opium, a narcotic substance, quickly spread in China, which harmed the health of the people and drained the wealth of the nation. This resulted in a war between China and Britain, known as the ‘Opium War.’
• Many secret agencies were formed in China. One such secret agency was the Boxers.
• The Chinese Communist Party, formed in 1921 under the leadership of Mao Zedong, was able to influence the peasants and workers.
• In 1934, Mao Zedong organised his famous ‘Long March’ by rallying peasants and workers.
• On April 21, 1949, the Red Army captured Nanjing, the capital of the Kuomintang government. Then, on October first, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, China was declared the People’s Republic of China.
• Under the leadership of Mao Zedong several economic reforms were implemented in China. These are known as The Great Leap Forward.

Introduction
In this chapter, we discussed the resistance of the people who were denied freedom due to the intervention of the imperialist capitalist powers in various countries. Revolutions are major events that bring big changes in a country’s political and social life. The American Revolution happened because the people wanted freedom from British rule and unfair taxes, and it resulted in the creation of the United States as an independent democratic nation. The Russian Revolution began due to people’s suffering under the Tsar, poverty, and the effects of World War I, and it ended with the fall of the monarchy and the rise of a communist government. The Chinese Revolution occurred after a long civil war between the Communists and Nationalists, leading to the formation of the People’s Republic of China. All these revolutions changed their countries in important ways and shaped their future.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE IN AMERICA

Factors That Motivated The People Of America To Issue Declaration Of Independence.
Colonial Control
The Puritans were a Christian group in England. They were conservative in matters of worship.
They were in conflict with other Christian groups in the country. Hence A group of Puritans known as the Pilgrim Fathers, who arrived in America on a ship named the Mayflower, established a colony called Plymouth (Massachusetts) in North America. Later, twelve more colonies were also formed. Most of the people lived in these colonies were the English. The King of England appointed governors in the colonies to control these people who had arrived in America without the support of their motherland. This let to the discontentment among the colonists.

Trade Control
The British government tried to establish trade control in the colonies through legislation. They turned the colonies into a trade monopoly for storing raw materials and selling manufactured goods. Trade laws implemented by Britain are:

• Goods from colonies to colonies could only be transported on the British ships or on the ships of the colonies.
• Goods such as wool, tobacco, and ship’s sails could be sent to Europe via England only. Goods from Europe could only be transported via England only.
• The Stamp Act of 1765 insisted that Deeds of will, legal documents, and pamphlets be marked with a fixed value stamp. An additional tax was imposed to recoup the cost of protecting the colonies from French attacks.

Although this law was repealed in 1766 due to increasing public outrage, the British Parliament was vested with the right to impose taxes on the colony. The colonists started a rebellion on realising that such measures by Britain would seriously affect the American people. There were some other factors that urged the colonists to fight against Britain.

• The colonists’ fear of the French disappeared as a result of the Seven Year War
• The military experience gained as a result of participating in the war
• Awareness of one’s own strength

Boston Tea Party
Lord North, the Prime Minister of Britain, enacted the Tea Act in 1773. This law forced the colonists to buy tea from the East India Company. Protesters who were dressed as Red Indians boarded ships that had arrived in port and threw away chests of tea into the sea. This incident is known as the Boston Tea Party.

Unification of the Colonies
The opposition to the laws imposed on the American colonies by the British government led to a growing sense of unity among the colonies. As a result of this sense of unity, representatives of the colonists assembled in Philadelphia. This is also known as the Continental Congress.

First Philadelphia Congress – 1774	12 colonies except Georgia participated It was decided to suspend trade with Britain until the grievances were resolved
Second Philadelphia Congress – 1775	Olive Branch Petition was submitted before the King of Britain George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the American army War with Britain commenced
Third Philadelphia Congress – 1776	The famous Declaration of Independence was issued It was drafted by Thomas Jefferson

Olive Branch Petition
This was a petition submitted by the colonists declaring their loyalty to the king, with the aim of avoiding war with Britain. They also demanded the repeal of laws passed after 1765.

Philosophy and Revolution
Philosophers and their ideas that influenced the Americans:

• ‘No taxation without representation’ – James Otis
• ‘It is prudent for the Americans to separate from England’ – Thomas Paine
• ‘Man has certain fundamental rights. No government has the right to violate them’ – John Locke

Seven Year War
It is the war between Britain and France to ensure trade monopoly. It began in 1756 and ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763.

Towards Independence

• In 1781, the American army under the leadership of George Washington defeated the English army led by Cornwallis at Yorktown with the help of France and Spain.
• Further, in accordance with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, Britain accepted the independence of the 13 American colonies.

Drafting New Constitution
After the war, the colonies drafted the framework of the constitution called the Articles of Confederation. In this regard, a convention was held in Philadelphia under the leadership of George Washington to complete the constitution. According to the constitution prepared by this convention, George Washington was elected the first President of the United States of America.

Features of the Constitution of the United States of America:

• The Constitution of the United States is a written one in the federal system. Accordingly, each state joining the union had certain powers of its own.
• The smallest constitution in the world
• The central government has authority over foreign affairs, war, interstate trade, and currency
• The state governments had representation in the central government
• The powers of the three branches of government such as the Congress, the President, and the Judiciary are clearly specified.

The growth achieved by the United States in the economic, industrial, educational, scientific and technological fields after the Revolution helped the nation that had fought for its independence, grow into a major world power. The American War of Independence made significant contributions to the world.

George Washington
He was bom in 1732. His father was Augustine Washington and his mother was Mary Ball. He served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, the head of the Constitutional Convention and the first President of the United States of America.

CIVIL WAR AND UNITY
Slavery is one of the basic reasons for the conflict between the American states. The Civil War was the most complicated event that the United States of America faced after the Revolution.

Diverse States
There existed diversities in the agricultural, educational and economic sectors among the provinces of the United States of America.

North American States	South American States
Industry and commerce were the main sectors	Agriculture was the main sector Presence of organised plantations
Did not depend on others for industrial products	There were very few factories Had to depend on the northern states or England for industrial products
Gave importance to education Primary education was free and compulsory	Education was not given importance Far behind in literacy

Slavery
The Europeans brought slaves from Africa to America for agricultural purposes until the early 19th century.The League of Nations defined slavery as the condition in which a person is subject to the absolute power of another. The people of the northern states discouraged the system of slavery. With a view to abolishing the system of slavery, activities had been started long before under the leadership of John Woolman. As a result of his work, the importation of slaves into the United States was banned in 1808. The southern states’, which were in favour of slavery, argued that slavery was necessary for the existence of plantation agriculture, and setting them free was a danger to the country. However, the northern states argued that one man keeping another man as his own property was contrary to the ideals of the Constitution of the United States.

The anti-slavery newspaper The Liberator and Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book Uncle Tom’s. Cabin strengthened public sentiment against slavery. This increased the conflict between the northern and the southern states.

From Ballot To Battlefield
Abraham Lincoln was a leader of the Republicah Party that was committed to ending slavery. He was elected President in 1860. Thirteen states, led by South Carolina, left the Union. They formed a new alliance called ‘The Confederate States of America’ to protect their rights. However, the northern states questioned the light to leave the Union. This led to Civil War.

The Union Towards Victory
In 1861, war broke out between the Confederate States and the Union States. The Union States finally won in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. On January 1,1863, Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation so as to free the slaves in the United States. This is known as the famous Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln expressed his sympathy for the defeated southern states. He was assassinated by a separatist named John Wilkes Booth on April 15,1865.

Abraham Lincoln
He was bom on February 12, 1809 in Kentucky. He was elected the 16th President of the United States in 1859. He was able to achieve his goal of abolishing slavery while maintaining the unity of the United States. In his Gettysburg Address, he defined democracy as “government, of the people, by the people, and for the neonle.”

RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

Tsar (Also ‘Czar’) And The People’S Assembly

• The autocratic rulers who ruled Russia were known as Tsars.
• The emperor had the power to appoint and dismiss officials, as well as to deport and imprison anyone.

Agitated with the miserable working conditions, the economic depression, and the ongoing war with Japan, the people, led by Father Gapon, marched to St. Petersburg to present a petition to Tsar Nicholas II requesting economic and political reforms. The army opened fire on the protesters, killing over a hundred workers. This massacre in St. Petersburg on January 22, 1905, is known as ‘Bloody Sunday.’ In response to the popular outrage, the Tsar agreed to form a parliament called the Duma. But he rejected all the reforms proposed by the Duma and attempted to suppress political freedom.

Workers And Revolution
There were two classes of people in Russian society. The common people consisted of workers and peasants, and the wealthy class consisted of nobles and capitalists. The peasants and workers, who were considered as the common people, were looked down upon by the rulers and nobles.

The main problems faced by the workers:

• Low wages
• Poor living conditions
• Long working hours
• The dominance of foreign capitalists in industries

The condition of the peasants was as miserable as that of the workers.

The domination and exploitation of foreign capitalists led to the formation of trade unions among the peasants and workers. This led to the growth of political awareness among them. It is in this context that political parties were formed.

Influence Of Ideas
Writers also played a major role in creating a favourable environment for the revolution. The writings of Leo Tolstoy, Turgenev and Maxim Gorky vividly portrayed the plight of the common people in a touching way.

But it was the Communist Manifesto, which contained the communist theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, that sparked the revolution and provided the necessary guidelines for it.

When World War I began, Russia also took part. Thousands of soldiers died due to the shortage of weapons and inadequate training. This led to criticism from the common people against the Tsarist regime. The shortage of food that occurred in Russia at this time aggravated the problems. This paved way for the awakening of revolutionary thoughts among the people.

Marxist Ideology
According to Marxist ideology, all political, social, and intellectual activities in human life are determined by the mode of production in society. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who formulated Marxist ideology, argued that workers are the basis of production and therefore the ideology should stand for their supremacy

End Of Monarchy
On March 8, 1917, women workers led a strike and march in Petrograd, shouting the slogan “Down with the autocracy.” The soldiers sent to suppress this strike joined the workers. Tsar Nicholas II was deposed on March 15, 1917, and a provisional government was formed under the Mensheviks’ leader, Aleksandr Kerensky. This revolution is known as the ‘February Revolution.’

Working Class Towards Dictatorship (Absolute Rule)
Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Party, brought the Russian Revolution to its completion. He argued that the Provisional Government served the interests of the capitalists and could not provide peace, food and freedom to the people, and therefore it should be replaced by a government of the Soviets. He put forward new ideas.

• Red Guard was the military unit formed to achieve this goal.
• The Bolsheviks seized all the important establishments in Petrograd, such as postal and telephone exchanges, railway stations, and banks.
• They then took over the Winter Palace, the headquarters of the Provisional Government. With this, the Provisional Government led by Alexander Kerensky was overthrown. This revolution is known as the
  ‘October Revolution.’
• Subsequently, Lenin declared Russia a Workers’ Republic and formed a government under his leadership. After the revolution, Lenin implemented some administrative reforms.

Lenin was born in 1870. He was convinced that fundamental changes in the social system could not be brought about by sccret organisations but could only be achieved by organising the workers, This view made the revolution of workers and peasants in Russia inevitable. Lenin led the October Revolution and the revolutionary government that followed.

Changing Economic Policy

• Lenin took several revolutionary measures in the economic sphere. The New Economic Policy was a reform implemented by Lenin in 1921.
• The New Economic Policy was a partial return to private trade, agriculture, and private investment.
  Large industries were combined with trusts. At the same time, the government encouraged the cooperative sector. But there was a strict government control to prevent the revival of capitalism. By implementing the Four Economic Policy, he developed the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) into a world superpower.

April Theses
The April Theses were presented by Lenin at a joint meeting of the Bolshevik Party and the Soviets. The plans for the transition from bourgeois democracy to socialist revolution are outlined here. Here, he makes it clear that the current situation is to transfer the power into the hands of the workers and peasants.

CHINA ON THE PATH OF REVOLUTION

To Power Through Trade
The foreign powers came to China with commercial interest. European traders made huge profits from China through the opium trade. The use of opium, a narcotic substance, quickly spread in China, which harmed the health of the people and drained the wealth of the nation. This resulted in -a war between China and Britain, known as the ‘Opium War.’ China was defeated in this war. After that, according to the Treaty of Nanking, the major ports of China, Canton, Amoy, Ningbo, and Shanghai, were opened to foreign trade.

End Of Monarchy
The growing interference of foreign powers increased the resentment of the people against them in China. As a result, many secret agencies were formed in China. One such secret agency was the Boxers. Their symbol was the Boxers Fist. Their resistance against the European invasion is known as the ‘Boxer Rebellion.’ After the boxer rebellion, the emperor implemented some reforms in China.

• Western education was implemented in China
• A commission was appointed to study the political systems of European countries

However, these reforms of the emperor did not satisfy the people of China. The people believed that China could be liberated from Western powers only if the Manchu dynasty which ruled China was overthrown from power. They were led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen. He put forward the ideas of nationalism, democracy, and socialism. The Kuomintang Party was formed to achieve this goal.

• Following the revolution of 1911, the Manchu dynasty was overthrown from power and a republican government was formed.
• However, later, Sun Yat-sen, the President resigned and Yuan Shikai came to power. After his death in 1916, Sun Yat-sen came to power again.

People’s Republic Of China

• Russian communist ideas also began to spread in China.
• The Chinese Communist Party, formed in 1921 under the leadership of Mao Zedong, was able to influence the peasants and workers.

Russia helped the Kuomintang Republic for the progress in various areas of China. Sun Yat-sen, who maintained close ties with the communists, died in 1925. Chiang Kai-shek who came to power after the death of Sun Yat-sen opened up coal and iron production, banking, insurance, and foreign trade to foreign powers. As a result, foreign powers controlled over all sectors. Through this, they took a huge amount of money from China. The Communist Party under the leadership of Mao Zedong opposed these policies. The Red Army led this resistance. In 1934, Mao Zedong organised his famous ‘Long March’ by rallying peasants and workers.

Routes Of The Long March (8000 Miles)

The Long March started in Kiangsi, ended in Shenzi, and passed through 11 provinces on its long and difficult journey.
On April 21, 1949, the Red Army captured Nanjing, the capital of the Kuomintang government. Then, on October first, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, China was declared the People’s Republic of China.

Under the leadership of Mao Zedong several economic reforms were implemented in China. These are known as The Great Leap Forward.

Mao Zedong was bom as the son of Mao Yichang and Wen Qimei in Shaoshan on December 26, 1893. He was one of the founding members of the Chinese Communist Party. He led the Long March and is the founder of the People’s Republic of China also. He was able to improve literacy, women’s rights, and healthcare and thereby putting China at the forefront of the world.

By reviewing Kerala Syllabus 8th Standard Social Science Notes Pdf and Class 8 Social Science Chapter 12 Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Notes Questions and Answers Kerala SCERT Solutions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.

Class 8 Social Science Chapter 12 Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Notes Questions and Answers

Class 8 Social Science Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Notes Questions and Answers

Class 8 Social Science Chapter 12 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Question 1.
Complete the list of agricultural resources you use every day, categorising them into those that are cultivated in your home or locality and those that are not.
Answer:

CULTIVATED AT HOME OR LOCALLY	NOT CULTIVATED LOCALLY
Coconut Banana Curry leaves Vegetables (tomato, brinjal, okra) Chilli Tapioca Spinach / leafy vegetable	Wheat Apple Almonds and cashews Saffron, nutmeg Pulses like rajma, chana Tea leaves Coffee beans

Question 2.
Complete the diagram by selecting the appropriate ones from the given options.

Answer:

Question 3.
Find and list out more examples of Monocropping from your locality.
Answer:
Com, Soybeans, Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane

Question 4.
We have now become familiar with different cropping systems and their characteristics. Based on that, identify the cropping system that is suitable for your locality . Write down individually why you have chosen that cropping system.
Answer:
(Hints to Identify the Suitable Cropping System)
1. Look at what farmers in your area mostly grow

• Do they grow only one crop? → Monocropping
• Do they grow two crops together? → Mixed cropping
• Do they grow one crop after another? → Crop rotation
• Do they grow two crops on the same land but at different times? → Intercropping

2. Choose one cropping system that fits your locality and identify reasons for choosing that crop.
(Example: If you choose Monocropping)
“Farmers in my locality mostly grow only one main crop, like paddy/coconut/rubber.
This makes farming easy and less costly.
That is why monocropping is suitable here.”

Question 5.
List out the changes that have occurred in the agricultural sector in your locality.
Answer:

• Farmers have started using modem machines like tractors, power tillers, and sprayers.
• Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used more than before.
• Many farmers are now growing high-yielding varieties of seeds.
• Irrigation facilities such as wells, pumps, and drip irrigation have improved.
• Farmers have shifted from traditional crops to cash crops like banana, mbber, and vegetables.
• Mixed farming (crops + livestock) is becoming more common.

Question 6.
Prepare a note comparing Polyhouse farming with Rain Shelter farming.
Answer:

Features	Rain Shelter farming	Polyhouse farming
Structure	Only the roof is covered with polythene sheets; sides are open.	Entire structure (roof and sides) fully covered with polythene sheets.
Protection	Protects mainly from heavy rain.	Protects from heat, rain, cold, wind, and strong sunlight.
Environmental control	Partial control (mainly rain).	Full control of temperature, humidity, and light.
Cost	Less expensive to set up.	More expensive due to complete structure.
Crop Production	Good yield mainly during rainy seasons.	High production throughout the year.
Suitable Crops	Tomato, chilli, cucumber, leafy vegetables.	Capsicum, cucumber, flowers, strawberries, exotic vegetables.

Question 7.
Organise a seminar on ‘Modern Trends in Agriculture.’
Answer:
(Hints)
Seminar: Modem Trends in Agriculture A student welcomes everyone and introduces the topic.
Explain why modern farming is needed today.

Present main points:

• Modem irrigation (drip, sprinkler)
• New technologies (tractors, drones, apps)
• Advanced methods (polyhouse, rain shelter, hydroponics)
• High-yield seeds and organic fertilizers
• Government support to farmers
• Show charts or pictures of modern farming methods.

Conclude: Modem agriculture increases production, saves water and labour. End with a vote of thanks.

Question 8.
Prepare a questionnaire to collect the necessary information from farmers to prepare a project on ‘Challenges faced by the agricultural sector.’
Answer:

• What crops do you usually grow?
• What problems do you face during farming?
• Do you face difficulty in getting good-quality seeds?
• Is water available for irrigation throughout the year?
• Do pests or plant diseases affect your crops often?
• Are fertilizers and pesticides costly or easy to get?

Question 9.
Observe the pictures and identify the small-scale industries and their raw materials.

Answer:
1. Papad / Bakery or Food Processing Industry
Raw Materials: Wheat flour/rice flour, Spices, Salt, Oil

2. Spice Grinding Industry
Raw Materials: Chilli, Turmeric, Coriander seeds, Pepper, Cumin, Other whole spices

3. Pickle-Making Industry
Raw Materials: Vegetables or fruits (mango, lemon, chilli, etc.), Salt, Vinegar/oil, Spices

4. Fruit Juice / Beverage Industry
Raw Materials: Fresh fruits (orange, mango, pineapple, etc.),Sugar, Water, Preservatives (optional)

Question 10.
Find an idea to begin a startup using the agricultural resources of our area and prepare an outline for it.
Answer:
Idea: Making and selling homemade pickles and fruit jams using local fruits and vegetables. Why?

• Raw materials are easily available.
• Low cost and high demand.
• Can be started at home.

Steps:

• Collect fruits/vegetables from local farmers.
• Prepare pickles and jams.
• Pack them in jars.
• Sell in local shops and markets.

Benefits:

• Supports farmers
• Earns small income
• Uses local agricultural resources effectively

Question 11.
Discuss and prepare a note on the importance of agricultural markets in the agricultural sector.
Answer:
Agricultural markets are very important because they help farmers sell their crops easily and at a fair price. These markets provide a proper place where farmers can bring their vegetables, fruits, grains, and other products. They also make sure the weighing is correct and the farmers are not cheated. Good storage and transport facilities in markets help reduce crop damage. Because of all this, farmers can earn better income, and consumers also get fresh products. Thus, agricultural markets play a big role in improving the agricultural sector.

Class 8 Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Questions and Answers Extended Activities

Question 1.
Visit nearby farmlands and prepare a report on various crops and cropping systems.
Answer:
Report on Crops and Cropping Systems in Nearby Farmlands
I visited the farmlands in my locality and observed various crops and the farming methods used by the farmers. The main crops grown in the area are paddy, banana, coconut, vegetables, and tapioca. Some farmers also grow pepper and arecanut.

Different cropping systems were also seen in these fields. In some places, farmers were practising monocropping, growing only one crop, such as paddy or banana, across the whole field. In many coconut farms, I saw intercropping, where vegetables and bananas were grown under the coconut trees. A few farmers also practiced mixed cropping, such as growing tapioca and vegetables together. In some fields, crop rotation was practised, in which farmers rotated crops each season to keep the soil fertile.

From the visit, 1 understood that farmers use different cropping systems based on soil, climate, and their needs. These systems help them get better yield and use the land more effectively.

Question 2.
Visit the Agricultural office near the school premises and discuss with the officials to understand the activities there.
Answer:
Report on Visit to the Agricultural Office
Our class visited the Agricultural Office near our school to understand the activities carried out there. The officials welcomed us and explained the different services they provide to farmers. They help farmers by giving information about seeds, fertilizers, and modem farming methods. They also guide farmers on how to control pests and plant diseases. The officers told us about government schemes and subsidies that support farmers.

The Agricultural Office also conducts training programmes to teach farmers about new technologies like drip irrigation, polyhouse farming, and organic farming. They help farmers test the soil to know which crops are best suited for their land. The officials also visit farmlands to advise on different stages of cultivation.

From the visit, we understood that the Agricultural Office plays a very important role in improving farming and helping farmers solve their problems.

Question 3.
Organise an agricultural fair in the school.
Answer:
(Hints to Organise an Agricultural Fair)

• Form a committee of teachers and students to plan the fair.
• Decide the date, venue, and theme of the fair.
• Invite local farmers, agricultural officers, and parents to participate.
• Set up stalls displaying seeds, fertilizers, tools, vegetables, fruits, and handmade products.
• Prepare charts and models showing modem farming methods like drip irrigation, polyhouse, and rain shelter farming.
• Arrange a demo corner for compost making, seed germination, or vermicomposting.
• Conduct competitions like poster-making, quiz on agriculture, and vegetable carving.
• Display farm produce grown in the school garden or by students.
• Provide a stage for experts to speak on modem farming and farmer issues.
• Make arrangements for refreshments made from local farm products.
• Ensure cleanliness, safety, and proper management throughout the event.

Question 4.
Based on a questionnaire you have already prepared, discuss with farmers, and prepare a project on the problems faced by the agricultural sector.
Answer:
(Hints: Problems Faced by Farmers (Points)

• Farmers mainly grow paddy, banana, vegetables, coconut, and tapioca.
• Difficulty in getting good-quality seeds on time.
• Water shortage during summer affects irrigation.
• Pests and plant diseases often damage crops.
• Fertilizers and pesticides are costly and sometimes unavailable.
• Weather changes, like heavy rain or drought, cause crop loss.
• High labour costs and a lack of workers make farming harder.

Question 5.
Set up a farm in the school using the farming methods and technology we have discussed in the lesson.
Answer:
(Hints to Set Up a School Farm)

• Select a small open space in the school for farming.
• Test the soil quality or ask a teacher/agriculture officer for guidance.
• Choose easy-to-grow crops like spinach, tomato, brinjal, lady’s finger, and banana.
• Use seed beds for germinating seeds before planting.
• Try modem irrigation methods like drip irrigation or sprinkler if possible.
• Practice intercropping, like growing vegetables under coconut or banana plants.
• Use organic manure or compost made from school waste.
• Set up small structures like a rain shelter or mini polyhouse if space allows.
• Maintain a watering schedule and observe plant growth regularly.
• Keep a record of crops, farming methods, and observations.
• Display charts in the school explaining the farming methods used.

Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Class 8 Notes Pdf

Std 8 Social Science Agricultural Sector and Innovative Trends Notes

• Agricultural sector is one of the oldest and most important sectors of the economy.
• The agricultural sector plays a major role in providing employment and ensuring food security in the country.
• The reasons for choosing different crops and cropping systems depending on time and place.
• Cropping system can be classified as Monocropping, Poly Cropping, Ratoon Cropping.
• Monocropping is the method of cultivating one crop at a time on a farm. This cropping system is mainly aimed at export.
• Multiple Cropping is a cropping system in which two or more crops are cultivated on a single plot of land without affecting the natural fertility of the soil.
• Mixed cropping is the method of cultivating two or more crops simultaneously on agricultural land without maintaining spacing between them.
• Inter Cropping Inter Cropping is a cropping system where another crop is cultivated between the main crop in a specific pattern.
• Sequence Cropping is the method of cultivating another short-term crop in the same field immediately after harvesting the main crop.
• Relay cropping is the method of growing a second crop on the field before harvesting the first crop.
• Crop rotation is the method of cultivating crops of different plant families on the same field after harvesting each crop.
• Multi-tier cropping is the method of cultivating crops of different heights, with different root depths and varying sunlight requirements on the same field simultaneously.
• During harvesting, the roots or lower part of the crop is left uncut. After harvesting, the crop that was cultivated grows again and produces yield.
• The shift from traditional agricultural methods to modem agricultural methods using new technology is remarkable.
• The main objective of technology in the agricultural sector is to help farmers increase agricultural production.
• A rain shelter is a roof covered with polythene sheets.
• Polyhouse farming or Greenhouse farming is a method of artificially creating a suitable environment for plant growth by protecting the plant from heat, rain, cold and sunlight.
• Precision farming is a technique that enables maximum production by providing each crop with the required water, nutrients and crop protection materials at the right time and in the right quantity.
• Digital farming is a farming method that incorporates diverse technologies.
• Agro-based small-scale and cottage industries are a solution to some extent to the problems faced by the agricultural sector.
• Small-scale and cottage industries that operate locally around us by utilising agricultural resources are of great importance.
• An agricultural market is a system for buying and selling agricultural products.
• An efficient agricultural market is essential for the progress of agriculture.

Introduction
This chapter, “Agricultural sector and Innovative Trends”, explains how important farming is in Kerala and how new methods are improving the agricultural sector. Kerala has different types of climates and small farmlands that help in growing many crops like vegetables, spices, plantation crops, and food crops. Many organisations, such as the Department of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, and Farmer-Producer Organisations, work to support and guide farmers. New technologies have brought big changes in farming, helping farmers increase production and protect the environment. At the same time, farmers face challenges like climate change, pests, and high costs. Agro-based small-scale industries and agricultural markets also play an important role in strengthening the agricultural sector. As students, we must learn about these topics to ensure food security and support future generations.

Agricultural Sector

• Agricultural sector is one of the oldest and most important sectors of the economy.
• It is also the largest unorganised sector in India. Agriculture provides food for the people and fodder for livestock.
• The agricultural sector plays a major role in providing employment and ensuring food security in the country.
• It helps in the growth of industries by providing raw materials. Agricultural products are also of great importance in our daily lives.
• Not all the crops or cropping systems are used for agriculture in all parts of India.
• The reasons for choosing different crops and cropping systems depending on time and place.

Factors Influencing Cropping System

Factors Influencing Cropping system	Sub-factors
Natural factors	Nature of soil Topography Climate Availability of water
Economic factors	Price of agricultural products Farmers’ income Area of agricultural land held
Infrastructure	Irrigation Electricity Transportation Marketing facilities Availability of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides
Social factors	Diet Education Generational differences in agricultural practices Social environment
Government policies	Export and import of crops Taxation Availability of loans Subsidies
Technological factors	High-yielding seed varieties Scientific irrigation Use of Modem technology

CROPPING SYSTEM

• The order in which crops are cultivated on a farm during a specific period is called cropping system.
• Cropping system can be classified as Monocropping, Poly Cropping, Ratoon Cropping.

Monocropping

• Monocropping is the method of cultivating one crop at a time on a farm. This cropping system is mainly aimed at export.
• Since there is only one crop, planting, maintenance and harvesting can be done smoothly. Its main advantage is that it can increase the profit from the fannland.
• Monocropping increases the risk of pest attack.
• Example: rubber, tea, tapioca.

Multiple Cropping Or Poly Cropping

• Multiple Cropping is a cropping system in which two or more crops are cultivated on a single plot of land without affecting the natural fertility of the soil.
• The advantage of this is to increase the total production from the farm land and thereby the income.

Mixed Cropping

• This is the method of cultivating two or more crops simultaneously on agricultural land without maintaining spacing between them. This cropping system is more common in dry areas.
• The advantage is that even if the yield of one crop is poor due to adverse weather conditions, the yield from other crops can be obtained.
• Example: maize-groundnut, coconut-pigeon pea

Inter Cropping

• Inter Cropping Inter Cropping is a cropping system where another crop is cultivated between the main crop in a specific pattern.
• This is a suitable method for controlling weeds and pests.
• Example: Groundnut cultivated as an intercrop in cotton, which grows slowly in the initial stage. Plantain cultivated as an intercrop in coconut plantations.

Sequence Cropping

• Sequence Cropping is the method of cultivating another short-term crop in the same field immediately after harvesting the main crop. This method utilises the moisture and nutrients remaining on the field.
• The main advantage is that the fields do not lie fallow.
• Example: On paddy fields, pulses or sesame are grown after the main crop, paddy.

Relay Cropping

• Relay cropping is the method of growing a second crop on the field before harvesting the first crop.
• Example: Cultivating vegetables before harvesting plantain.

Crop Rotation

• Crop rotation is the method of cultivating crops of different plant families on the same field after harvesting each crop. The main benefit of crop rotation is that it increases soil fertility.
• It is a suitable method for increasing soil productivity and for controlling weeds and pests.
• Example: Cultivating peas after paddy

Multi-Tier Cropping

• Multi-tier cropping is the method of cultivating crops of different heights, with different root depths and varying sunlight requirements on the same field simultaneously.
• Its advantage is that soil, water and sunlight can be used more effectively.
• Example: coconut, pepper, ginger/turmeric are cultivated simultaneously on the same farm.

Ratoon Cropping

• During harvesting, the roots or lower part of the crop is left uncut. After harvesting, the crop that was cultivated grows again and produces yield.
• The advantage of this system is that the crop is harvested again from the same crop. The disadvantage of this system is that there is a possibility of reduced yield, increased disease and pest attack.
• Example: spinach, sugarcane.

INNOVATIVE TRENDS IN AGRICULTURE

• Due to constant change in increasing world population, climate change, and growth of technology, the agricultural activities also change.
• The agricultural sector in India has undergone a radical transformation in the last few decades.
• The shift from traditional agricultural methods to modern agricultural methods using new technology is remarkable.
• Technology has taken on the challenges of agriculture and adopted innovative methods to increase productivity.
• The main objective of technology in the agricultural sector is to help farmers increase agricultural production.

Rain Shelter Farming

• A rain shelter is a roof covered with polythene sheets. By using transparent polythene sheets as a canopy, the crops are protected from excessive rain while receiving the necessary sunlight for farming.
• Rain shelter farming is suitable for achieving high production throughout the year even in adverse weather conditions.

Polyhouse Farming

• Polyhouse farming or Greenhouse farming is a method df artificially creating a suitable environment for plant growth by protecting the plant from heat, rain, cold and sunlight.
• This method of cultivation is done in polyhouses that are completely covered with polythene sheets.

Precision Farming

• Precision farming is a technique that enables maximum production by providing each crop with the required water, nutrients and crop protection materials at the right time and in the right quantity.
• This method can be implemented in rain shelter and open areas.
• The advantages of this farming method are the precise use of water and nutrients, efficient use of machinery, and better management of agricultural land.
• Micro-irrigation (the method of providing water required for plant growth in droplets or fine streams), fertigation, and integrated pest and disease management are the main components of precision farming.

Digital Farming: Digital farming is a farming method that incorporates diverse technologies. Technologies such as big data analysis tools, artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital communication technologies such as mobile phones, digital platforms, robotics, and agricultural advisory apps are used in digital farming.

Vertical Farming: Vertical farming is being used as a viable way to produce food in cities due to urbanisation and scarcity of agricultural land. This technology involves growing crops in vertically stacked, layered, or built-up areas. It uses hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic systems to produce food year-round with minimal water use.

Organic Farming: Organic farming is a farming method that relies on organic pesticides, compost, green manures, crop rotation, machinery, and the like. It completely avoids chemical fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides. Plant growth regulators and organically modified seeds are not used in this method.

FERTIGATION
Fertigation is the method ofproviding water-soluble fertilizers through irrigation.

CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE (CSA)
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an approach to help fanners cope with climate change. The main goals are to increase productivity and income, adapt to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

CHALLENGES FACED BY THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

• Most of the small-scale farmers who use chemical fertilizers and pesticides cannot afford the high price of chemical fertilizers.
• The gradual decline in soil fertility and the high cost of seeds and irrigation, leave farmers in crisis.
• To meet these challenges, the central and state governments are implementing several schemes.(Eg: Njangalum Krishiyilekk”.

Other challenges the agricultural sector faces are follows:

• Neglect of crop rotation
• Loan availability and repayment
• Crop failure/crop loss
• Low prices of agricultural products
• Agricultural debt
• Inadequate mechanisation
• Lack of basic infrastructure
• Climate change
• Inadequate agricultural research

AGRO-BASED SMALL-SCALE AND COTTAGE INDUSTRIES

• Agro-based small-scale and cottage industries are a solution to some extent to the problems faced by the agricultural sector.
• Small-scale and cottage industries that operate locally around us by utilising agricultural resources are of great importance.

Small-scale industries
Small scale industries are industries with an investment not exceeding ten crores and an annual turnover of less than fifty crores.

Cottage industries

• Cottage industries are industries where an individual or a family converts locally available resources into products using traditional techniques.
• The initial investment is low in this industry. Cottage industries rely mainly on the labour force of family members.
• Examples of cottage industries include weaving, carpet making, leather industry, handicraft manufacturing, and small-scale food processing units.
• Cottage industries are the backbone of many rural economies around the world.

The Changing Face Of Agro-Based Small-Scale And Cottage Industries
Agro-based startups are gaining popularity today. The government is giving a lot of encouragement to such startups. Small-scale and cottage industries, which convert fruits and vegetables into various value-added products using simple technologies like grinding, milling, and packaging, have gained importance today. Industries producing Arecanut spathe products, food products, and fruit-based products are mainly based on agricultural products.

Handloom Industry

AGRO PARK: Agro Parks are agricultural product processing centres in Kerala, They ensure farmers income by converting agricultural products into value-added products. Agro parks operate under the Department of Agriculture.

KATHIR APP: (Kerala Agriculture Technology Hub and Information Repository) App is designed to harness the potential of information technology to make farming and its practices smarter. Weather information, crop advisories, market intelligence information, agricultural project information, and agricultural land information will be available through this app. Farmers who register through this app will receive an identity card.

AGRICULTURAL MARKET

• An agricultural market is a system for buying and selling agricultural products.
• An efficient agricultural market is essential for the progress of agriculture.
• The main objectives of an agricultural market are to enable primary producers to earn the best possible income and to provide fair prices while maintaining the quality of agricultural products.

Farmers And Market
It is the right of the farmer to get a fair price for his products. Therefore, farmers are trying to find markets that offer the maximum price. By using online markets, marketing without intermediaries between farmers and consumers, has become possible.

Agricultural Produce Market Committee: The APMC is a board set up by the state governments of the country to protect farmers from exploitation by large-scale and retail traders. The states regulate APMC through the Agricultural Produce Marketing Regulation Act (APMR Act).

Different Types Of Agricultural Markets

• Structured and functional markets are essential for the progress of the agricultural sector.
• Agricultural markets are classified into two categories-Organised Agricultural Market and Unorganised Agricultural Market.
• Organised agricultural markets are those that operate according to the rules and regulations of the government. They operate mainly according to the APMC rules.
• Unorganised agricultural markets are those that operate without a specific structure.

Rural Primary Markets: Rural primary markets are markets where farmers directly sell their produce without intermediaries. They are centred in small villages and are a mechanism of exchange between individuals in the village as main sellers and consumers. Markets meet once or twice a week in open areas. For example: Village markets, Haats.

• Village Haats: Haats are markets where producers, intermediaries and consumers of a village gather to buy and sell agricultural products.
• Mandis: These are permanent wholesale markets in district headquarters and other towns for daily transactions.
• Fairs/Festivals: Fairs are markets held at pilgrimage sites and major centres only during religious festivals or local festivals.

Wholesale Markets or Secondary Wholesale Markets:
Agricultural marketing is done in the state with the support of state self-governing bodies and farmer producer organisation. This is possible through a marketing network established in urban and rural areas. Of the wholesale markets in Kerala, three function in urban areas and three in rural areas. In addition to these, five District Procurement cum Marketing Centres are also functioning. These centres, which are under the Department of Agriculture, operate as per the market rules of the Government of Kerala. Six wholesale markets have also been registered under E-Nam. Apart from these, local market outlets at various levels facilitate the marketing of agricultural produce by mobilising it directly and through farmers’ associations. Marketing is done through the marketing system of Self-help Farmers’ Committees established by VFPCK at the production centres, eliminating intermediaries.

The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) is an organisation that promotes the marketing of agricultural produce and forest resources in India. Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) strengthen rural agricultural activities by undertaking services such as integration, marketing, value addition, grading, branding and packing of agricultural products.

• Keralagro: The Department of Agriculture has started marketing of agricultural products under a unified brand ‘Keralagro’ to energise the marketing of agricultural products, thereby increasing the income of farmers and making the products available to consumers at fair prices.
• E-Nam: The National Agriculture Market is a scheme launched by the government to enable farmers to sell their products at their will. It is an online platform for agricultural products.

CHALLENGES FACED BY AGRICULTURAL MARKETING

• Inadequate transport facilities
• Lack of access to loans
• Insufficient market information
• Inadequate storage facilities
• Import policies
• Exploitation of intermediaries

VEGETABLE FRUIT PROMOTION COUNCIL KERALA(VFPCK)
The mission of VFPCK is to provide support to the farmers of Kerala in various agricultural activities from seed to marketing to implement fruit and vegetable cultivation on a commercial basis.

KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA(KVK)
Krishi Vigyan Kendra are institutions established across the country by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to identify and solve the problems of farmers and to transfer them new agricultural technologies and skills.

By reviewing Kerala Syllabus 8th Standard Social Science Notes Pdf and Class 8 Social Science Chapter 11 Feudalism and the Medieval World Notes Questions and Answers Kerala SCERT Solutions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.

Class 8 Social Science Chapter 11 Feudalism and the Medieval World Notes Questions and Answers

Class 8 Social Science Feudalism and the Medieval World Notes Questions and Answers

Class 8 Social Science Chapter 11 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Question 1.
Discuss the characteristics of feudal society and prepare a poster.
Answer:
(Hints: Based on the following characteristics, prepare posters)

• Hierarchical Structure
• Land as the Basis of Power
• Decentralised Power
• Limited Social Mobility

Question 2.
Prepare a profile album of the caliphs who came to power in Arabia after the Prophet Muhammad.
Answer:
Profile Album: Caliphs After Prophet Muhammad

1. Abu Bakr (632-634 CE)
   • First Caliph
   • United Arabia and protected the Muslim community
2. Umar (634-644 CE)
   • Second Caliph
   • Expanded the empire to Persia, Egypt, and Syria
   • Strong administrator
3. Uthman (644-656 CE)
   • Third Caliph
   • Compiled the Qur’an into one official text
   • Encouraged trade
4. All (656-661 CE)
   • Fourth Caliph
   • Known for wisdom and justice
   • Strengthened Islamic values

Question 3.
Prepare a flip album discussing the characteristics of the dynasties that established dominance in Arabia after the Caliphate.
Answer:
(Hints: Flip Album: Dynasties After the Caliphate)
1. Umayyad Dynasty (661-750 CE)

• Capital: Damascus
• First hereditary rulers
• Expanded the empire widely
• Made Arabic the official language

2. Abbasid Dynasty

• Capital: Baghdad
• Golden Age of learning and culture
• Progress in science, maths, and medicine
• Baghdad became a major trade centre

3. Fatimid Dynasty

• Capital: Cairo
• Strong in trade and naval power
• Founded Al-Azhar University
• Encouraged art and architecture

4. Ottoman Empire

• Capital: Constantinople
• Controlled Mecca and Medina later
• Strong military and administration
• Built roads, mosques, and schools

Question 4.
List out the contributions of the Arabs to the world.
Answer:

• Introduced Arabic numerals and spread zero concept.
• Great progress in science, mathematics, and astronomy.
• Advanced medicine (hospitals, medical books, surgeries).
• Developed geography and navigation (maps, compass use).
• Preserved and translated Greek, Persian, and Indian knowledge.
• Introduced new crops like coffee, sugarcane, cotton, and citrus fruits.
• Beautiful architecture (mosques, domes, arches).
• Growth of literature, especially poetry and storytelling (Arabian Nights)

Question 5.
Discuss the characteristics of the Mongol Empire and the Mali Empire and prepare a note.
Answer:
The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan, who united the nomadic Mongol tribes of Central Asia. The Mongols were expert horse riders who lived in tents and travelled in search of pastures. Their capital was Karakoram. Genghis Khan introduced the postal system called Yam and a law code called Yasa, which helped maintain discipline and communication across their vast empire. The Mali Empire, located in West Africa, became rich and powerful under its famous ruler Mansa Kangan Musa. The empire was known for its gold in the south and salt in the north. Important cities like Gao, Jenne, and Timbuktu grew into centres of trade and Islamic learning. Timbuktu’s Great Mosque and educational institutions attracted scholars from many parts of the world.

Question 6.
Organise a seminar to discuss the common features of the various cultures that existed in America.
Answer:
The Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas civilisations shared several common cultural features that highlight the richness of ancient American societies. All three cultures depended heavily on agriculture and cultivated crops like maize, potatoes, and beans. They were excellent builders known for stone temples, palaces, and other architectural wonders such as chinampas, Mayan pyramids, and Machu Picchu. These civilisations developed their own writing or record-keeping systems, including Aztec pictographs, Mayan script, and the Inca quipu. They also made remarkable progress in arts and crafts, creating jewellery, pottery, and textiles. Religion played a central role, influencing their rituals and temple constructions. Though each culture was unique, their shared achievements in farming, construction, knowledge, and art reflect the common cultural strengths of ancient American civilisations.

Class 8 Feudalism and the Medieval World Questions and Answers Extended Activities

Question 1.
Prepare an essay on ‘The changes that feudalism brought about in European society.’
Answer:
‘The changes that feudalism brought about in European society.’
Feudalism was a system that organised European society during the Middle Ages. It divided people into different classes like kings, nobles, knights, and peasants. Each group had specific duties-lords gave land and protection, while peasants worked on the land. Land became the main source of wealth, and peasants had to stay on the lord’s land, which shaped rural life. Feudalism also led to the rise of knights who followed the code of chivalry, influencing European culture. Local lords controlled their own regions, which changed the political system. Even though feudalism limited freedom for peasants, it brought order and stability at a time of chaos. Overall, feudalism strongly influenced Europe’s social structure, culture, and land system.

Question 2.
Prepare a mind-map on the emergence of the Arab Empire and the unification of the Arab people.
Answer:

Question 3.
Imagine that you were a member of the group that studied the civilisations in America. Draft a letter to your friend describing your findings.
Answer:
(Hints)
Dear Friend,
Hope you are doing well. I am writing this letter to share my exciting experience as a member of the group that studied the ancient civilisations of America. It was truly fascinating!
We learned about three great civilisations – the Maya, the Aztec, and the Inca. The Maya were famous for their advanced calendar, writing system, and beautiful pyramids. They were skilled astronomers and planned their cities very carefully.

The Aztecs lived in Mexico and built their capital, Tenochtitlan, on a lake. They created floating gardens called chinampas and had a powerful ruler. Their temples and religious ceremonies were very important in their society. The Inca civilisation impressed us the most with their engineering skills. They built long roads across mountains, used terraces for farming, and constructed the famous city of Machu Picchu. They also had a unique system called quipu to keep records.

Overall, our study showed how advanced these civilisations were in science, architecture, farming, and administration. It was a wonderful learning experience, and I can’t wait to share more when we meet.

Your loving friend,
[Your Name]

Question 4.
Prepare a digital album of the rulers who were responsible for the formation of various empires.
Answer:
(Hints: Based on the following hints, prepare a digital album)

Ruler	Empire
Alexander the Great	Macedonian Empire
Chandragupta Maurya	Maurya Empire (India)
Qin Shi Huang	Qin Empire (China)
Julius Caesar & Augustus Caesar	Roman Empire
Charlemagne (Charles the Great)	Holy Roman Empire
Genghis Khan	Mongol Empire
Constantine the Great	Eastern Roman Empire / Byzantine Empire

Feudalism and the Medieval World Class 8 Notes Pdf

Std 8 Social Science Feudalism and the Medieval World Notes

• Feudalism was an economic, social, and political system that emerged in medieval Europe following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.
• The word ‘feudalism’ is derived from the German word ‘feud,’ which means ‘a piece of land.’ Feudalism, which originated in France, later spread to England and Italy.
• Roman Empire was divided into two: the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire.
• The Western Roman Empire was later conquered by the Franks, a tribe in Europe. They founded the Frankish Empire. The most famous ruler of this empire was Charlemagne.
• The Eastern Roman Empire emerged in the east after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, which was based in Rome. Its capital was Constantinople.
• The Arabian Peninsula is a vast land between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf inhabited by the Arabs.
• The successors of Prophet Muhammad who came to power after his death were known as caliphs.
• The Abbasid dynasty came into power under the leadership of Abul Abbas by overthrowing the Umayyad dynasty.
• The Mongols were a nomadic tribe that lived in the eastern part of Central Asia.
• The Mali Empire was a famous empire that flourished in the western part of Africa. The most powerful ruler of this empire was Mansa Kangan Musa.
• The Aztecs, the Mayans, and the Incas were the civilisations that existed in America.

Introduction
This chapter, “Feudalism and the medieval world” was shaped by many important systems, empires, and civilizations that developed across different regions. In Europe, feudalism organised society through relationships between kings, nobles, knights, and peasants. The Roman Empire, though earlier, influenced medieval Europe with its laws, culture, and administration. In West Asia, the Central Islamic regions grew into a strong empire that spread new ideas in science, art, and trade. At the same time, the Mongol Empire became one of the largest empires in history through powerful military expansion. In Africa, the Mali Empire grew rich through gold and trade, becoming a centre of learning. Across the Atlantic, the civilisations in America, like the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, created advanced cities, farming methods, and cultural traditions. Together, these societies shaped the medieval world and advanced human history.

FEUDALISM

• Feudalism was an economic, social, and political system that emerged in medieval Europe following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.
• The word ‘feudalism’ is derived from the German word ‘feud,’ which means ‘a piece of land.’ Feudalism, which originated in France, later spread to England and Italy.
• There are three orders in the feudal system.

In feudalism, the king owned all the land. The king gave the land he owned to the nobles. In return, the nobles pledged to be loyal to the king and to provide military assistance in times of need. The nobles had the power to form an army, administer justice, and mint their own currency. In the feudal system, the third order, the peasants, that supported the first and second orders. This third order had two divisions: Independent peasants and slaves.

Let’s examine their condition:

• They did not have their own land
• They had to work on the farms and in the houses of the nobles
• They did not receive wages
• They could not leave the land without the permission of the noble

By the 14th century, feudalism began to collapse. The main circumstances for this was:

• Climate change
• Strengthening of monarchy
• Spread of the pandemic, known as the plague or Black Death
• Invention of gunpowder
• Crusades
• Scarcity of metal coins

ROMAN EMPIRE
Roman Empire was divided into two: the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire.

Holy Roman Empire

• The Western Roman Empire was later conquered by the Franks, a tribe in Europe. They founded the Frankish Empire. The most famous ruler of this empire was Charlemagne.
• When Pope Leo III was expelled from Rome by his enemies, Charlemagne defeated them and restored him as Pope.
• In return, the Pope crowned Charlemagne as the first Holy Roman Emperor. Therefore, this empire is also known as the Holy Roman Empire. The architectural style of this period is known as the Carolingian style. The cognitive progress during the reign of Charlemagne is known as the Carolingian Renaissance.
• Carolingian Style of Architecture: The Carolingian style was a combination of Byzantine and ancient Roman styles. Its characteristics include arched doorways, domes, and mosaic floors.

Eastern Roman Empire

• The Eastern Roman Empire emerged in the east after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, which was based in Rome. Its capital was Constantinople. The old name of Constantinople was Byzantium. This empire is also known as the Byzantine Empire.
• Justinian was a famous ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire. Justinian’s greatest contribution to the
  world was the Code of Justinian.
• A committee of jurists was formed to codify the laws, jurisprudence, and legal edicts that existed in the empire and to create a distinct law. The law thus compiled was the Corpus Juris Civilis. It had three parts: Digest, Code, Institute.

Central Islamic Regions

• The Arabian Peninsula is a vast land between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf inhabited by the
  Arabs. The Arabs were divided into many tribes. Most of the tribes led a nomadic life.
• Some groups that lived in cities were engaged in trade and agriculture. They travelled to various regions for trade. The Kaba in Mecca was the centre of pilgrimage for the Arabs. The season of pilgrimage was that of peace. Prophet Muhammad united the warring Arab tribes. However, his ideas were opposed by the wealthy merchants of Mecca.
• In 622 CE, Prophet Muhammad and his followers fled from Mecca to Medina. This is known as the Hijra. He soon became the ruler of Medina.
• After gaining control of Mecca, Medina became the administrative capital of the Islamic state. Mecca also became the religious centre. Thus, Prophet Muhammad was able to unify a large part of Arabia and build Arab culture.

Caliphate Rule
The successors of Prophet Muhammad who came to power after his death were known as caliphs. Their rule is called the Caliphate. A caliph was both the religious leader of Islam and the head of the Arab state. During the period of the first four calijfhs, the capital of the Arab Empire was Medina.

Umayyad Dynasty
Muawiya, the governor of Syria seized power following the insecurity that arose after the death of the fourth caliph, Ali. The dynasty he founded was the Umayyad Dynasty. They moved the capital to Damascus in Syria. Abd al-Malik, the caliph of the Umayyad dynasty, emphasised Arabhood.

Abbasids
The Abbasid dynasty came into pow er under the leadership of Abul Abbas by overthrowing the Umayyad dynasty. They moved the capital from Damascus to Baghdad. The most important poet and scholar among them was Harun al- Rashid.

Arab Contributions To The World

• The Arab people were the ones who had built a unique culture. They had an efficient government, a postal system and a tax collection system. They were able to achieve a lot of progress in the field of education. The universities in Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, and Cordoba are examples of this.
• It was the Arabs who contributed algebra and Arabic numerals to the world. Zero, which was the contribution of India was spread to the whole world by the Arabs.
• The Arabs were also the inventors of many chemical processes in chemistry. They were also the inventors of optics.
• They had knowledge about tuberculosis, smallpox, stomach cancer, and plague. The Thousand and One Nights is a famous book in Arabic literature.

MONGOL EMPIRE

• The Mongols were a nomadic tribe that lived in the eastern part of Central Asia.
• The capital of the Mongols was Karakoram.

This tribe travelled on horseback in search of pastures during the day and lived in tents at night. Genghis Khan united the various Mongol tribes which had been fighting each other for a long time, and laid the foundation of the Mongol Empire. His real name was Temujin. The name Genghis Khan was given to him by the Mongol tribal council. Genghis Khan started a postal system to connect different parts of the country. This was known as ‘Yam.’ Horses were used for the efficient functioning of this system. He also introduced a code of law called ‘Yasa.’

MALI EMPIRE

• The Mali Empire was a famous empire that flourished in the western part of Africa.
• The most powerful ruler of this empire was Mansa Kangan Musa.

Knowledge about Mali, the richest country in Africa, is obtained from Ibn Battuta. Mansa Kangan Musa encouraged education, arts and crafts. The southern part of the country was famous for its gold deposits and the northern part for its salt deposits. Gao, Jenne, and Timbuktu were famous cities in the empire. Timbuktu was a centre of trade as well as education. The Great Mosque in Timbuktu was a centre of Islamic learning. Many scholars from different parts of the world came to Timbuktu.

CIVILIZATIONS IN AMERICA

• The Aztecs, the Mayans, and the Incas were the civilisations that existed in America.
• The outside world came to know about them through the European explorations of America in the 15th century.

Aztecs

• In the 12th century, the Aztecs migrated to the Valley of Mexico.
• Aztec society was hierarchical. Their capital was Tenochtitlan.

They built artificial islands called Chinampas in the lakes of Mexico. This is an example of their construction skills. They gave importance to agriculture and cultivated corn, beans, squash, pumpkins, cassava, and potatoes. In addition to this, they were also engaged in trade and handicrafts. They used coins made of metals such as gold, copper, and tin. They gave importance to education. Educational institutions called Calmecac were built for the children of the nobles and Tepochcalli for the children of other classes.

Mayans
The Mayan civilisation developed in Mexico between the 11th and 14th centuries.
The Mayans cleared the jungle and cultivated maize. They built palaces and temples with stones. They made gold and silver jewellery and beautiful pottery. They used pictographic alphabet. They used bark of trees and paper made from a special plant for writing. They made significant progress in mathematics and astronomy and had an almanac.

Incas

• The Inca civilisation of Peru was the largest indigenous civilisation in South America.
• A centralised imperial rule prevailed there. The king was the supreme ruler.
• The capital was Cuzco.

The city had temples, palaces, and beautiful houses made of stone. The capital was connected to different parts of the country by means of roads. Machu Picchu, located at an altitude of 3,500 metres in central Peru, is an example of their construction skills. They made jewellery using gold, silver, and copper. They used the skins of animals such as llamas and alpaca to weave woollen clothes. The government provided farmers with enough land to cultivate. The main crops were com and potatoes. They used a system of recording numbers called quipu. The Spanish colonisation of America destroyed these cultures.

CHINAMPAS
Chinampas are artificial islands built in the lakes of Mexico. The islands were built by covering reeds with mud and planting crops on them. Palaces and pyramids were built on these islands.

By reviewing Kerala Syllabus 8th Standard Social Science Notes Pdf and Class 8 Social Science Chapter 10 Europe on the World Map Notes Questions and Answers Kerala SCERT Solutions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.

Class 8 Social Science Chapter 10 Europe on the World Map Notes Questions and Answers

Class 8 Social Science Europe on the World Map Notes Questions and Answers

Class 8 Social Science Chapter 10 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Question 1.
Look at the world map and answer the following questions.

(a) Which continent is located to the east of Europe?
Answer:
Asia

(b) Which ocean is located to the west of Europe?
Answer:
Atlantic Ocean

(c) Which ocean is located to the north of Europe?
Answer:
Arctic Ocean

(d) Which sea is located to the south of Europe?
Answer:
Mediterranean Sea

Question 2.
Find the latitudinal and longitudinal extension of Europe w ith the help of an atlas.
Answer:
Latitude: Generally, it is taken to be 36°O’ north to 71° 11’ north latitude.
Longitude: 25° W to 65° E

Question 3.
Find the location of the Black Sea with the help of an atlas. Observe the political map of Europe and identify the major countries.
Answer:
The Black Sea is located:

• To the southeast of Europe
• Between Eastern Europe and Western Asia

It is bordered by:

• Ukraine (north)
• Russia (northeast)
• Georgia (east)
• Turkey (south)
• Bulgaria (west)
• Romania (west/northwest)

Question 4.
With the help of an atlas, identify and list the countries that belong to the Scandinavian region.
Answer:
The countries that belong to the Scandinavian region are Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. While Finland and Iceland are often associated with them, they are technically part of the broader Nordic countries group due to historical, cultural, and linguistic differences.

Question 5.
With the help of an atlas find out the country through which the Volga River flows.
Answer:

• The Volga flows from Valdai Hills in western Russia
• Passes through cities like Volgograd, Kazan, and Nizhny Novgorod
• Finally empties into the Caspian Sea

Question 6.
Find out which countries have plateaus that are part of the Central Uplands and write down them.
Answer:
France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg

Question 7.
Identify the Caucasus Mountains from the topographic map of Europe given below. The highest peak in Europe is indicated by a triangle (A). Find and write the name of this peak.

Answer:
The highest peak in Europe is indicated by a triangle (A) within the Caucasus Mountain Ranges on the map. The highest peak in Europe, indicated by the triangle (A) in the Caucasus Mountains, is Mount Elbrus.

Question 8.
Complete the chart below regarding the topography of Europe.
Answer:

Question 9.
Discuss and present in the class what changes will occur in your daily life if you have to live in conditions similar to the Arctic climate.
Hints: Diet, clothing, agriculture
Answer:
(Hints)
If I have to live in conditions similar to the Arctic climate, many changes will occur in my daily life. Since the Arctic is extremely cold and covered with snow for most of the year, I will have to eat more high-energy and fatty foods such as fish, meat, and soups to keep my body warm. Fresh vegetables and Suits will be limited because farming is difficult in such cold regions.

My clothing will also change completely. I will need to wear thick woollen jackets, fur-lined coats, gloves, boots, caps, and layers of thermal clothes to protect myself from freezing temperatures and icy winds. Regular cotton clothes will not be useful there.

There will be big changes in agriculture too. Because the land remains frozen and there is very little sunlight in winter, crops cannot be grown easily. People mostly depend on hunting, fishing, and food brought from other places.
Overall, living in the Arctic climate would require changes in my food, clothes, daily activities, and the way I adjust to the harsh cold environment.

Question 10.
Complete the given list based on the subarctic climate.
Answer:

Countries	Plants	Animals
Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia	Pine, Cedar	Lynx, Ermine, Silver fox

Question 11.
Identify the countries that experience the Eastern European Climate, such as Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria using Marble software.
Answer:
Countries with Eastern European Climate

• Russia (Western part)
• Ukraine
• Romania
• Hungary
• Bulgaria
• Belarus
• Poland (Eastern region)
• Moldova
• Slovakia
• Czech Republic (parts)

Question 12.
Complete the given table by examining the climatic features of Europe

Answer:

Climatic Region	Features
Arctic climate	Very short, cold summers (around 10°C) and long, harsh winters. No sunlight for 5-6 months in winter.
Subarctic/Taiga Climate	Mild, short summers; very cold winters. Temperature stays below 0°C for 5-7 months.
Eastern European Climate	Winter temperature falls below 0°C. Light rainfall in summer.
Western European Climate	Severe winters, moderate heat. Rainfall throughout the year.
Mediterranean Climate	Hot, dry summers and cold, rainy winters. Found around the Mediterranean Sea – Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, etc.

Question 13.
With the help of an atlas, mark the areas of Europe that experience a Mediterranean climate on the given map.

Answer:

Question 14.
Prepare a note on how the topography and climate of countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland influence population density.
Answer:
How Topography and Climate Affect Population in Norway, Sweden & Finland

• These countries are in Northern Europe, where the land is mostly mountains, forests, and lakes.
• Because of this rough land, it is hard to build houses, roads, or farms in many places.
• The climate is very cold, especially in the northern parts, with long winters and very little sunlight.
• Cold climate and difficult land make people avoid living in the northern and interior areas.
• Most people live in the southern parts of these countries, where the land is flatter, the weather is milder, and it is easier to grow food and find jobs.
• So, the population density is low in the north and higher in the south.

Question 15.
Complete the table of crops based on the farming methods in Europe.
Answer:

REGION	CROPS
Central and western Europe	Cereals and vegetables; livestock is also raised (Mixed farming)
Mediterranean region	Oranges, olives, grapes (Intensive farming in Mediterranean climate)
Steppes grasslands	Wheat, barley, com, oats (Extensive farming)

Question 16.
Look at the industrial map of Europe and find out which countries have the major industries given below and complete the table.


Answer:

INDUSTRIES	COUNTRIES
Iron	Germany Austria
Ship Building	Belgium, Netherlands and Croatia
Textiles	United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy
Automobiles	England, Germany, France, and Sweden

Question 17.
Some of the major rivers in Europe are given below. Find out which cities are located on their banks and complete the table.

Answer:

RIVER	CITY
Thames	London
Tiber	Rome
Moskva	Moscow
Seine	Paris
Spree	Berlin ‘

Question 18.
Look at the atlas and find out which countries are neighbouring to Finland and complete the table.

Answer:

East	Russia
South	Estonia
North East	Norway
North	Sweden

Class 8 Europe on the World Map Questions and Answers Extended Activities

Question 1.
Mark the main topographical features on the outline map of Europe and display them in different colours in the class.
Answer:
(Hints)
When marking a physical (topographical) map of Europe, you should show the major mountain ranges, plains, rivers, plateaus, and seas. Use different colours for each feature to make the map neat and easy to understand.
1. Mountain Ranges (Use BROWN)

• Alps – Central Europe (France-Switzerland-Italy-Austria region)
• Pyrenees – Between Spain and France
• Carpathian Mountains – Central & Eastern Europe (Romania area)
• Ural Mountains – Boundary between Europe and Asia (Russia)

2. Plains (Use GREEN)
Great European Plain – Stretches from France through Germany, Poland to Russia

3. Plateaus (Use YELLOW)

• Central Uplands – Germany and surrounding areas
• Iberian Plateau – In Spain

4. Rivers (Use BLUE)

• Danube River – Flows through Central & Eastern Europe
• Rhine River – Flows through Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands
• Volga River In Russia (longest river in Europe)

5. Seas and Important Water Bodies (Use LIGHT BLUE)

• Mediterranean Sea – South of Europe
• North Sea – Between UK and Norway
• Black Sea – Southeast Europe ‘
• Baltic Sea – Near Sweden, Finland, and Poland

Question 2.
Collect pictures of the main flora and fauna of Europe and prepare a digital album.
Answer:
(Hints)

Question 3.
Prepare a project on ‘The influence of the topography and climate of Europe on the natural flora and fauna.’
Answer:
Project: Influence of Topography and Climate on the Flora and Fauna of Europe.
Europe has many different physical features like mountains, plains, plateaus and rivers. It also has different climates such as Mediterranean, temperate, continental and tundra.

These differences affect the plants and animals found in each region.
1. Influence of Topography Mountains: Very cold, steep slopes

• Plants: pine, fir
• Animals: snow fox, mountain goat
• Plains: Flat land, fertile soil
• Plants: oak, beech, grasslands
• Animals: deer, bison, wolves Plateaus: Moderate climate
• Plants: shrubs, mixed forests
• Animals: wild boar, fox

2. Influence of Climate Mediterranean Climate (South Europe)

• Hot, dry summers
• Plants: olive, lavender
• Animals: goats, rabbits Temperate Climate (West & Central Europe)
• Mild climate
• Plants: deciduous forests
• Animals: deer, bear, fox Tundra Climate (North Europe)
• Very cold
• Plants: moss, lichen
• Animals: reindeer, Arctic fox

Conclusion: Topography and climate together decide which plants and animals can live in Europe.

Question 4.
Prepare a brochure of the main tourist attractions of Europe.
Answer:

Europe on the World Map Class 8 Notes Pdf

Std 8 Social Science Europe on the World Map Notes

• Europe is the sixth largest continent. While the other six continents are separate landmasses, Europe is seen as a western extension of Asia.
• The vast landmass that includes Asia and Europe is called Eurasia.
• The Ural Mountains, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea to the east separate Europe from Asia.
• The high hills found in the North Western regions of Europe and the Scandinavian Plateau spread across Norway, Sweden, and Finland are the speciality of the North Western Highlands.
• The North European Plains are located south of the North Western Highlands. It is also known as the Great European Plain.
• The Volga is the longest river in Europe.
• The Central Uplands are located to the south of the North European Plain.
• The Alpine Mountain System is a series of fold mountains with parallel ranges located south of the Central Uplands.
• Europe is the only continent in the world without desert.
• Antarctica is considered a cold desert.
• Arctic parts of Europe experience a tundra climate.
• The Taiga climate is experienced in the subarctic regions that lie south of the tundra region.
• The Western European Climate is characterised by severe winter, moderate heat, and rainfall throughout the year.
• A major reason for the population growth in Europe is immigration.
• Regional diversity exists in agriculture, intensive farming, extensive farming, and mixed farming are mostly
• practised depending on the availability of land and population density.
• Europe is a hub of diverse cultures, beliefs, and celebrations.
• Arctic and subarctic climates are generally experienced in Finland.
• Two-thirds of Finland is forested. Low quality coal (peat) is mainly found in Finland, which has relatively a few natural resources.

Introduction
This chapter, “Europe on the world map”, introduces Europe as a small but important continent located in the Northern Hemisphere. It has a variety of geographical features, such as high mountain ranges like the Alps, wide plains, green plateaus, and major rivers, including the Rhine and Danube. These landforms influence Europe’s climate, which includes Mediterranean, temperate, continental, and tundra types. Because of these climates, Europe has a variety of natural vegetation such as coniferous forests, deciduous forests, and grasslands along with wildlife such as deer, bears, bison, and reindeer. The society and people of Europe enjoy a high standard of living and follow different languages, customs, and traditions. The continent is also famous for its festivals and cultural centres, as well as museums, theatres, and historical monuments. The climate affects the social life of Europeans by influencing their food, clothing, houses, and occupations. Through these features, the chapter helps us understand Europe’s geography, culture, and way of life.

EUROPE

• Europe is the sixth largest continent. While the other six continents are separate landmasses, Europe is seen as a western extension of Asia.
• The vast landmass that includes Asia and Europe is called Eurasia. Europe was considered as the centre of the world by the Greek and the Roman scholars.
• Europe was recorded as a continent on world maps made by the Greeks and the Romans 2000 years ago. That is why Europe has been considered as a continent since ancient times.
• The area of Europe is approximately 1,03,55,000 square kilometres. This is only 7% of the world’s area.

Location Of Europe

• Europe is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
• The Ural Mountains, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea to the east separate Europe from Asia

The largest country in Europe is Russia. Only 25% of Russia’s land area is in Europe. The rest is in Asia. Europe includes the Russian region west of the Ural Mountains. This region’is known as European Russia. Nearly 75% of the Russian population lives in European Russia. The largest cities of Russia, Moscow and St. Petersburg, are also located in European Russia. Other large European countries include Ukraine, France, Spain, and Sweden.

GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
Europe has a diverse topography. The topography of Europe can be classified as follows:

• North Western Highlands
• Central Uplands
• North European Plains
• Alpine Mountain system

North Western Highlands

• The high hills found in the North Western regions of Europe and the Scandinavian Plateau spread across Norway, Sweden, and Finland are the speciality of the North Western Highlands.
• Scandinavia is a popular destination for travellers with its snow-capped mountains, glaciers, fast-flowing rivers, beautiful forests, and lakes. Round-topped and gently sloping hills, formed as a result of long¬term glaciation and weathering, are found in many places.
• Fjords, which are found on the Scandinavian coast, are another feature of this region.

Fjords
‘IT-shaped valleys are valleys formed in a ‘U’ shape by the process of glacial erosion. Fjords are glacial valleys formed in this way on the coasts of high latitudes. Planktons grow abundantly in fjords where warm and cold-water currents meet. These areas are rich in fish as they come to feed on the planktons. Therefore, the Scandinavian region is famous for fishing.

North European Plains

• The North European Plains are located south of the North Western Highlands. It is also known as the Great European Plain.
• This plain extends from the Ural Mountains in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The plain has a fairly flat topography with small hills here and there.
• The North European Plain, which is very suitable for agriculture, was formed as a result of glacial deposits and by the alluvium deposits of the major rivers of Europe, the Volga, the Don, and the Dnieper.
• The Volga is the longest river in Europe. The steppes are the most widespread grassland in the North European Plain.

Glaciation And Weathering
Glaciers are moving mass of ice. As a result of their movement, different landforms are created and the
surface is changed. This process is called glaciation. Weathering is the physical, chemical, or biological
decomposition or disintegration of rocks on the Earth’s surface.

Central Uplands

• The Central Uplands are located to the south of the North European Plain.
• This area of land, filled with small hills, valleys, and plateaus, stretches from Ireland in the west to Russia in the east. The Rhine and Rhone rivers enrich this area with water.
• The different landforms that make up the Central Uplands are listed below:

Major Landforms Of The Cenj Rral Uplands

MAJOR LANDFORMS OF THE CENJ	RURAL UPLANDS
Landforms	Country
Rhine Valley, Vosges Mountains, Jura Mountains, Central Massif Plateau	France
Ardennes Mountains	Belgium
Black Forest Mountains, Harz Mountains	Germany
Maseta Plateau	Spain
Bohemian Plateau	Czech Republic

Alpine Mountain System

• The Alpine Mountain System is a series of fold mountains with parallel ranges located south of the Central Uplands.
• These mountain ranges extend from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east. The main Alpine Mountain ranges are the Alps, the Caucasus, and the Carpathians.
• Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus Mountains is the highest peak in Europe.

FOLD MOUNTAINS:
The lithosphere, the outermost layer of the Earth composed of the crust, and the upper part of the mantle, is generally solid. The lithosphere is made up of irregularly shaped plates. These plates are several thousand kilometers wide and have an average thickness of 100 kilometres. Fold Mountains are mountains formed by the folding of rock layers at plate boundaries where plates collide with each other. Example: The Himalayas.

CLIMATE, NATURAL VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE

• The general climate of Europe is characterised by mild summers and relatively severe winters. However, there is regional variation in climate.
• Latitude, topography, and the closeness of the ocean influence the climate. High latitude and the influence of mountains cause dry winter climate in the north and east.
• The influence of the ocean in the south and west leads to a moderate climate.
• Europe is the only continent in the world without desert. Most of Europe receives different forms of precipitation, such as rain and snow.
• Any area that does not receive more than 25 centimetres of annual rainfall is considered a desert. Antarctica, which is covered in snow all year round, is also a desert. Antarctica is considered a cold desert.

PRECIPITATION
Precipitation is the process by which water particles are released from clouds through continuous condensation and fall to the ground in solid, liquid form. The various forms of precipitation are rain, snow, sleet, and hailstones.

Arctic/Tundra Climate

• Arctic parts of Europe experience a tundra climate. The Arctic/Tundra climate is characterised by short, cold summers and long, harsh winters.
• While summer temperature rises to 10°C, winter temperatures drop from -25°C to -40°C.
• There is no sunlight here for 5 to 6 months in winter.

Long nights, harsh winters, and precipitation in the form of ice prevent the growth of plants. Due to this, only shrubs, lichens, and mosses that can withstand the cold generally grow in this climate. The lack of vegetation in the tundra climate also affects the animal life here. Only a few animals such as wolf, reindeer, polar bear, and Arctic hare with thick fur that can survive the cold, can be seen here.

Subarctic/Taiga Climate

• The Taiga climate is experienced in the subarctic regions that lie south of the tundra region.
  Although the short summers are mild and warm, winters are as harsh as those in the Arctic climate.
• Temperature is below 0°C for five to seven months of the year.
• Precipitation in the taiga climate is generally in the form of snow. The main vegetation of the taiga climate, is evergreen forests with coniferous trees. The main trees are pine and cedar. Lynx, ermine, and silver fox are the prominent animals in the region.

Eastern European Climate

• The eastern parts of Europe experience severe summers and extreme winters. This climate is known as the Eastern European Climate.
• Winter temperature often drops below 0°C. Light rain fall is common in summer.
• Due to the scanty rainfall and intense heat, large trees do not grow in areas experiencing this climate.
• The steppes experience the Eastern European Climate. The animals that are mainly found are antelope, wolf, and horse.

Western European Climate

• The Western European Climate is characterised by severe winter, moderate heat, and rainfall throughout the year.
• The Western European Climate is experienced in the northwestern European countries of Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, southern Norway, Denmark, western France, and northern Spain.
• The presence of the Atlantic Ocean influences the climate here.
• The Western European Climate is suitable for plant growth. Deciduous trees with strong wood and broad leaves are found here. Examples of these are beech, elm, oak, birch, and ash. Animals like squirrel, fox, hare, deer, and wolf are also found here.

Mediterranean Climate

• Mediterranean climate is the climate experienced in the regions around the Mediterranean Sea.
  Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and southern France experience Mediterranean climate.
• Mediterranean climate is characterised by hot, dry summers and cold, rainy winters.
  This is a climate where trees and shrubs grow well. Rosemary, lavender, olive, pine, orange, grape, and fig are the main plants. Rare species of animals such, as the Iberian lynx, Barbary macaque, Mouflon goat, Spanish imperial eagle, nuthatch are found in the Mediterranean region.

VITICULTURE
Grape cultivation in the Mediterranean region is very famous. Grape cultivation which is scientifically practiced, is called viticulture. Along with this, winemaking is also an important economic activity here.

SOCIETY AND PEOPLE
It is believed that humans migrated to many parts of the world from Africa. The human race, which arrived in Europe between 40000 and 50000 years ago, later spoke a variety of languages and followed different cultures. Overseas voyages and explorations paved way for the social, economic, political and linguistic developments of Europe.

Population:

• It is the sixth largest in size, Europe is the third most populous continent, behind Asia and Africa. . Russia is the most populous European country.
• Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy are the countries behind Russia in terms of population

The population is not the same in all parts of Europe. The population is higher in the countries in the west, south, and east of the continent. Due to the geographical characteristics, the population and population density in the Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland are very low. The majority of the population in these countries lives in the coastal cities in the South.

• Due to the influence of different topography, culture, and immigration, different languages are spoken in Europe.
• Russian language is spoken by most of the people in Europe. In addition to this, German, French, Italian, English, and Spanish are also widely spoken.
• A major reason for the population growth in Europe is immigration. A large number of people from Africa, Central Asia, and South Asia migrate to the European Union countries.

Europe is one of the most developed regions in the world. The excellent climate, abundant natural resources, and technology make Europe industrially and agriculturally rich. This is one of the main reasons for immigration to Europe.

European Union: Initiated in 1957 by six countries – Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands – the European Union was formed in 1993. The union, which began with the aim of economic unity and an internal market between countries, later focused on social, cultural, and political areas. The European Union was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012 for its contribution to peace, reconciliation, democracy, and human rights.

Agriculture
Regional diversity exists in agriculture, intensive farming, extensive farming, and mixed farming

INTENSIVE FARMING	EXTENSIVE FARMING	MIXED FARMING
A farming method that increases production using advanced technology in densely populated areas.	A mechanised grain farming method that is carried out on a commercial basis over very large areas of land.	A method of raising livestock along with crops.
Cultivated in countries with a Mediterranean climate.	This type of fanning is practised in the steppes of northern Europe.	This type of farming is mainly found in central and western Eu­rope.
Oranges, olives, and grapes are mainly cultivated.	The main crop is wheat. Cereals such as barley, com, and oats are also grown	In addition to the production of cereals and vegetables, livestock are also raised.

Fishing
Fishing is a major occupation in the countries of Norway, Denmark, and Poland, which are bordered by the North Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. Cod, herring, salmon, halibut, and sea trout are abundant in these areas.

Great Fisher Bank
The Great Fisher Bank and Dogger Bank, on the coast of Denmark and Norway, are the most abundant fishing areas in Europe. In addition to these, the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the inland lakes support a thriving fishing industry.

Industry
The Industrial Revolution led Europe to development. Europe’s iron and steel industry, textile industry, and manufacturing sector gained world attention.
Automobile Manufacturing Industry in Europe: European countries are at the forefront of vehicle manufacturing. Many companies that built fighter planes, trucks, and tankers for their country’s military during the world wars later turned to the automotive sector. Audi, Ferrari, Bugatti, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Rolls-Royce, Scania, Volvo, and Porsche are all European automobile companies that have admirers all over the world.

FESTIVALS AND CULTURAL CENTRES

• Europe is a hub of diverse cultures, beliefs, and celebrations. Europe’s diverse Christmas and New ‘ Year celebrations, Germany’s Oktoberfest, Spain’s La Tomatina, Bullfighting, the Netherlands’ King’s Day Carnival, and the Venice Carnival are some of the notable festivals.
• Famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and London Bridge, as well as cities that are famous for art, culture, and history, are major tourist attractions in Europe. Important Cities
• Paris: Paris is the most visited tourist place in Europe every year. Located on the banks of the Seine River, Paris is the capital of France. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum attract tourists to this city.
• London: Located on the banks of the Thames River, London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom.
• Berlin: Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany. This city is located on the banks of the Spree River.
• Moscow: Moscow is the capital of Russia. It is the largest city in Europe, located on the banks of the Moskva River.
• Rome: Rome, the capital of Italy, is located on the banks of the Tiber River. Many monuments of the Roman Empire and Christianity are located here. The Colosseum in Rome is one of the ancient wonders of the world. In addition to these, Madrid, Athens, Amsterdam, Vienna, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Dublin are other major cities in Europe.

Land of a Thousand lakes

• The northern European country of Finland is often referred to as the Land of a Thousand Lakes.
  Although it is often referred to as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, Finland is actually home to more than 100,000 lakes, numerous rivers, and vast wetlands.
• The Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland lie to the south of Finland, and the Gulf of Bothnia lies to the southwest. The landscape, climate, and culture here attract many tourists.

CLIMATE AND SOCIAL LIFE

• Arctic and subarctic climates are generally experienced in Finland. Extreme cold and snowfall make life difficult for people in the northern parts of Finland. For this reason, the major populated areas are adjacent to the sea.
• One fifth of the Finnish population, called Finns, live in the capital, Helsinki. Many of the world’s major population areas are located in coastal areas. The reason for this includes: Easy Transportation and trade, Availability of food, Economic opportunities and favourable climate.
• Two-thirds of Finland is forested. Low quality coal (peat) is mainly found In Finland, which has relatively a few natural resources.

Due to the harsh winters, energy consumption is very high. The country’s main source of energy is hydroelectricity. However, winter hinders electricity generation. Severe winters and constant snowfall hinder construction work and transportation, and increase construction costs.

Land Of Happiness

• Finland topped the United Nations World Happiness Index in 2024. This is the seventh consecutive time that Finland has achieved this feat.
• Countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland which experience Scandinavian topography and Arctic climate, are all in the top ten of the World Happiness Index, behind Finland.
• In addition, these countries also ranked highly on the Human Development Index prepared by the United Nations to assess the development of countries in the world. Many countries with favourable climate, topography, and natural resources are behind Finland in the happiness index. The will and hard work of the Finnish people to overcome adverse climate and topography and leap towards development can be set as an example to the world.

How Is The Happiness Index Prepared?
The happiness index is prepared based on six factors: Per Capita Income, social support, healthy life. expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.