By reviewing Kerala Syllabus 7th Standard Social Science Notes Pdf Download and Class 7 Social Science Chapter 11 Against Discrimination Questions and Answers Kerala SCERT Solutions, students can improve their conceptual understanding.
Class 7 Social Science Chapter 11 Against Discrimination Notes Questions and Answers
Against Discrimination Class 7 Notes Pdf
Class 7 Social Science Chapter 11 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus
Question 1.
Identify the location, capital, major cities and historically important sites of South Africa using digital map.
Answer:
1. Location of South Africa
Coordinates: As mentioned, South Africa lies roughly between latitudes 22°S and 35°S, and longitudes 16°E and 33°E.
Access: Search for “South Africa” on any digital map platform to view its geographic boundaries and neighboring countries.
2. Capital of South Africa
Three Capitals: South Africa has three capitals:
Pretoria (administrative capital)
Cape Town (legislative capital)
Bloemfontein (judicial capital)
3. Major Cities
Johannesburg: South Africa’s largest city and main economic hub.
Durban: A major coastal city known for its port and multicultural vibe.
Map Tip: Type each city’s name to get details on location, transportation, and popular landmarks.
4. Tips for Using Digital Maps
Zoom and Layers: Adjust zoom levels to get more detailed information, and use layers to explore terrain, satellite views, and street maps.
Points of Interest (POIS): Enable POI layers to see landmarks, museums, and parks.
Question 2.
Prepare a concept map on the importance of Boer wars in the history of South Africa.
Answer:
Question 3.
Prepare an analytical note about Gandhiji’s opinion on the racial discrimination prevailed in South Africa including the methods of strike adopted by him.
Answer:
In South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi faced racial discrimination that deeply influenced his commitment to justice. After being thrown off a train for sitting in a “whites-only” section, Gandhi began to protest the unfair treatment of Indians and Africans by the British colonial government. He developed a method called Satyagraha, meaning “truth force,” which focused on non-violent resistance to injustice. Instead of using violence, he encouraged people to disobey unjust laws and willingly accept the consequences peacefully. He led strikes, boycotts, and mass marches, drawing attention to the racial inequality in South Africa. Gandhi’s work there became a model for future civil rights movements around the world, showing that peaceful protest could be a powerful force for change.
Question 4.
Have you read the references made by Nelson Mandela on the life of the people of South Africa?
a) What could be the reason the teacher gave Nelson Mandela for the new name instead of the name given by his parents?
b) What are the oppressions the South African people had to face?
Answer:
a) Nelson Mandela’s teacher gave him an English name because, during that time, African children were often given European names to make them fit into a society controlled by white colonial rules. This ignored their real names and cultural identity, showing how apartheid tried to control even the smallest parts of African people’s lives.
b) During apartheid in South Africa, black people were treated unfairly. They had to live in separate areas, work only in low-paying jobs, and use different public services. They had to carry passes to move around, and without them, they could be arrested. They couldn’t vote or choose leaders, and they were kept from good schools and better living places. These rules made their lives hard and limited their chances to succeed.
Question 5.
Based on the oppressive laws existed in South Africa and the references made by Nelson Mandela on them, conduct a discussion on the realities that the blacks had to face.
Answer:
Nelson Mandela, in his writings and speeches, often discussed the harsh realities that black people had to endure due to these laws.
Racial Segregation: The apartheid system forced black South Africans into separate, overcrowded areas known as “townships,” away from white areas. They were denied access to good quality education, healthcare, and housing.
Economic Disempowerment: Apartheid laws restricted black South Africans to low-paying, unskilled labour. High-paying jobs and skilled professions were reserved for white people. Mandela often highlighted how these laws trapped black South Africans in poverty, limiting their ability to build wealth or access economic opportunities and reinforcing a cycle of inequality.
Pass Laws and Movement Control: Black South Africans were required to carry “passbooks” that dictated where they could live, work, and travel. Without these passes, they risked being arrested.
Psychological Impact: Apartheid not only limited black South African’s physical freedoms but also had a deep psychological impact. Mandela acknowledged the sense of inferiority and humiliation that black people felt because of constant discrimination. This system of oppression affected their self-worth and made it difficult for them to imagine a life of equality and dignity.
Question 6.
Roleplay the issues faced by the people due to the apartheid laws.
Answer:
(Here are some hints helps you to roleplay the issues faced by people under apartheid)
Residential Segregation
Think about how people were forced to live in separate areas based on race.
Describe cramped, poorly maintained townships vs. clean, spacious white neighbourhoods.
Emphasise how this limited future job opportunities.
Restricted Movement
Describe the passbook system that required non-whites to carry documentation.
Mention the constant fear of being stopped, arrested, or even jailed for moving “without permission.”
Talk about how this limited freedom and created fear in daily life.
Limited Job Opportunities
Highlight the restricted job roles and low wages for black workers.
Mention how jobs were often limited to manual labor or domestic work.
Describe how this kept people from advancing economically.
Banned Gatherings and Censorship
Explain how gatherings, protests, and even free speech were often banned.
Discuss how people were afraid of being jailed or punished for speaking against the government.
Show the sense of isolation and frustration this caused for activists and citizens.
Question 7.
Conduct a quiz competition (Chodhyotharapayattu) preparing questions related to the freedom struggle of South Africa.
Answer:
(Hints: Prepare more questions as shown below)
Question 1:
Who was the most famous leader in South Africa’s freedom struggle?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela
Question 2:
What was the system of racial discrimination in South Africa called?
Answer:
Apartheid
Question 3:
Which political party led the fight against apartheid?
Answer:
African National Congress (ANC)
Question 4:
In what year did South Africa become a democratic country?
Answer:
1994
Question 5:
Who was South Africa’s first black president?
Answer:
Nelson Mandela
Extended Activities
Question 1.
You have seen the extent to which colonisation and apartheid imposed by the whites made the lives of the blacks troublesome. Stage a play based on the struggles underwent by the blacks against discrimination.
Answer:
(Here are simple hints for your play on the struggles black South Africans faced under apartheid.)
Scene 1: Hard Life in the Township
Place: A crowded, poor neighbourhood.
People: Black families and a strict white policeman.
What happens: Families talk about their struggles-bad houses, no clean water, far from good jobs and schools. A policeman comes to check their passbooks, and everyone is afraid.
Scene 2: Poor Education and Jobs
Place: A small classroom in a black school.
People: Students and their teacher.
What happens: The teacher explains they don’t have enough books and the school is too crowded. The students feel trapped and hopeless about getting good jobs in the future.
Scene 3: Planning a Protest
Place: A secret meeting of activists.
People: A young Nelson Mandela or similar leader with other activists.
What happens: They plan to protest against unfair laws. They talk about wanting a fair South Africa and encourage each other, knowing the risks.
Scene 4: A Protest and Arrests
Place: A street where a peaceful protest is happening.
People: Protestors and police.
What happens: Protestors Walk and chant peacefully. The police arrive and start arresting them. Protestors stay brave, even when they are taken away.
Scene 5: Freedom and Hope
Place: A celebration of Nelson Mandela’s release and election as president.
People: Mandela, families, and former activists.
What happens: Mandela gives a speech about a free South Africa. Families celebrate with hope for a better future.
(These simple scenes can show the hardships, bravery, and hope of black South Africans in their fight against apartheid.)
Question 2.
Prepare a timeline on the struggles against the apartheid in South Africa.
Answer:
Timeline of the Struggles Against Apartheid
-
- 1948 – Apartheid laws were introduced, enforcing racial segregation.
- 1952 – Defiance Campaign: mass protests against apartheid laws.
- 1960 – Sharpeville Massacre: 69 protestors killed, leading to global outrage.
- 1961 – ANC forms Umkhonto we Sizwe, a resistance group.
- 1962 – Nelson Mandela is arrested, becoming a symbol of resistance.
- 1976 – Soweto Uprising: Student protests, hundreds killed, raising international awareness.
- 1980s – Mass protests, strikes, and international sanctions pressure South Africa.
- 1990 – Mandela is released; apartheid laws start to be repealed.
- 1994 – First democratic elections; Mandela elected president, apartheid officially ends.
Class 7 Social Science Against Discrimination Notes Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Define cape of good hope.
Answer:
The Cape of Good Hope is situated at the southernmost tip of the African continent, on the shores of the Atlantic. To reach the countries in the Asian continent like India, the Europeans had to sail through the Atlantic Ocean, encircling the African Continent. As this cape gave the navigators the hope to reach Asia, it was named Cape of Good Hope.
Question 2.
Fill in the blank.
a) ………….. is the country located at the southernmost tip of African continent.
b) Boer is the Dutch word for…….
c)…….. was made the sole language of cape colony.
d) Gandhiji reached South Africa in ……….
Answer:
a) South Africa
b) Farmer
c) English
d) 1893
Question 3.
Explain the following terms.
a) First Boer war
b) Second Boer war
Answer:
a) The First Boer War: Britain captured Transvaal to extend their reign to more regions. Following this, the First Boer war started (1880-81). The Boers won the battle and formed the Republic of South Africa, merging Transvaal and the nearby regions.
b) The Second Boer War: Disputes over the asset from the gold mines and the control over them led to the Second Boer War. The Boer administrators instituted tax on the gold mines. The British demanded the right to vote for their labourers in the mines. When this demand was denied by the Republican administrators, the armed struggle the most destructive war in the history of South Africa, started.
Question 4.
What is meant by Colonisation?
Answer:
Colonisation is the political, social, economic and cultural domination and control of one country over another region and its people.
Question 5.
Briefly explain the geographical features and location of South Africa.
Answer:
South Africa is a country that is located at the southernmost tip of the African continent sharing its borders with the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Broad coastal lands, vast plains and plateaus, lofty mountain ranges, great rivers, waterfalls and dry deserts make this country unique. South Africa is situated approximately between: Latitudes: 22°S and 35°S and Longitudes: 16°E and 33°E. South Africa has its own diverse geographical features. The wealth from inland agrarian lands and mines, weather and human resources attracted the Europeans to South Africa. South Africa shares its borders with six countries: Namibia – to the northwest, Botswana- to the north, Zimbabwe – to the northeast, Mozambique – to the northeast, Eswatini (Swaziland) – to the east, Lesotho — an enclave within South Africa, completely surrounded by South African territory.
Question 6.
What is Boers?
Answer:
Boers are the descendants of the Dutch (Netherlands), French and the Germans who came to South Africa from Europe. ‘Boer’ is the Dutch word for ‘farmer.’ Later, they came to be known as Afrikaner and their language and culture as Afrikaans.
Question 7.
What happened after the Treaty of Vereeniging?
Answer:
As per the Treaty of Vereeniging, the Boers approved the sovereign of Britain. The Union of South Africa was formed as an autonomous territory under the control of the British. Based on the new constitution implemented by the Union of South Africa, the British and Afrikaners got a high consideration. However, the fundamental rights of the black people were denied.
Question 8.
John argued that the African Native National Congress was later known as the African National Congress. Do you agree with this statement. Elucidate.
Answer:
Yes, I do agree with this statement. The South African Party, led by the Whites, came to power in the first election after South Africa became an autonomous territory under the control of Britain. The racial differentiation between the blacks and the whites got intensified. The leaders of the African National Congress devised several means of struggles to build a discrimination-free South Africa. Nelson Mandela founded the African National Congress Youth League by leading the youth.
They brought in laws in the housing, administration and industrial sectors which would affect the people. People were denied the freedom of movement and the right to education. The organisation, the African Native National Congress, formed to protect the rights of the people of Africa was later came to be known as the African National Congress. The leaders of the African National Congress devised several means of struggles to build a discrimination-free South Africa.
Question 9.
Match the following.
| LAWS | CONSEQUENCES |
| The Mines and Works Regulations Act | Skilled works were reserved only for the whites. Blacks were removed from the general voters’ list. |
| Natives Land Act | Blacks were restricted from entering cities. |
| The Natives [Urban Areas] Act | The blacks were allocated special areas called ‘reserves’ and were not allowed to purchase land in other areas. |
| Separate Representation of Voters Act | Skilled works were reserved only for the whites |
Answer:
| LAWS | CONSEQUENCES |
| The Mines and Works Regulations Act | Skilled works were reserved only for the whites. |
| Natives Land Act | The blacks were allocated special areas called ‘reserves’ and were not allowed to purchase land in other areas. |
| The Natives [Urban Areas] Act | Blacks were restricted from entering cities. |
| Separate Representation of Voters Act | Blacks were removed from the general voters’ list. |
Question 10.
a) Identify the personality given below.
b) Explain his role in life of Africans.
Answer:
a) Nelson Mandela
b) Nelson Mandela was the person who fought for the emancipation of the South Africans who were oppressed because of their race for centuries. He had to suffer imprisonment for three decades for fighting for the freedom of his country and its people. Nelson Mandela was born on 18th July 1918 in the Thempu royal family in Transky province of South Africa. His name was Rolihlahla. His father was Gadla Henry Mandela, the head of the Madiba clan and his mother was Noskenny Fanny.
After primary education, he got educated in South African Tribal Heritage and Culture, and later passed the degree in Law. Nelson Mandela, who was well aware of the need to free his people from the clutches of colonisation and racial discrimination, endeavoured tirelessly for the freedom of his people and nation. Nelson Mandela founded the African National Congress Youth League by leading the youth. Later, he took membership in the African National Congress.
Question 11.
Explain the following laws.
a) Reservation of separate Amenities Act
b) The Bantu Education Act
c) Group Areas and segregation Act
Answer:
a) Signboards were installed in public places such as grounds, beaches, buses, hospitals, schools, parks, etc.
b) The blacks were restricted to undergo traditional education only.
c) People were transported to different locations based on race. This was known as the Great Apartheid.
Question 12.
What is meant by African Year.
Answer:
The year 1960 deserves special importance in the history of the freedom struggle of the African countries. This year in which seventeen African countries got freedom, has great relevance in the history of South Africa as well. The people who fought against ‘Pass Laws’ were massacred at Sharp Velle and the armed rebellion against the South African government started during the same year in 1960.
Question 13.
What is meant by Stay at home?
Answer:
A new mode of struggle named ‘Stay-at-home’ was organised, demanding the right to vote, a constitution without apartheid and the retrieval of ‘Pass Laws.’ The African National Congress and the South African Indian Congress led the struggles. Native and Indian workers took part in the struggle. The factories, textile mills and schools across the country remained shut. This strike revealed the unity and strength of the anti-apartheid movement. The ‘Stay-at-home’ was a major struggle in the history of the freedom struggle of South Africa. As peaceful protests did not yield any results, Nelson Mandela called for armed rebellion. Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotage, treason and conspiracy in 1964. He had to suffer rigorous imprisonment in the Robben Island and Paulsmoor Jail for a continuous 26 years. Countries around the world resorted to siege on South Africa. The United Nations passed a resolution stating that ‘apartheid is an offence against humanity.” This led to the spread of riots across the country. The government declared Emergency to oppress the people’s protests in 1984.
Question 14.
What is the importance of Robben Island in the history of South Asia?
Answer:
Robben Island has as much importance in the history of South Africa as that of the cellular jails (Kalapani) in the Andaman Nicobar Islands in the Indian freedom struggle. This is the island to which the arrested African leaders of the freedom struggles were exiled. Nelson Mandela remained imprisoned for eighteen years here.
Question 15.
Fill in the blanks.
a) …………….Island has as much importance in the history of South Africa.
b) The National Party that came to power in…………
c) Nelson Mandela was born on 8th July
d) A new mode of struggle named ………………………..was organised, demanding the right to vote, a constitution without apartheid and the retrieval of ‘Pass Laws.”
Answer:
a) Robben
b) 1948
c) 1918
d) ‘Stay-at-home’
Std 7 Social Science Against Discrimination Notes
- South Africa is a country that is located at the southernmost tip of the African continent sharing its borders with the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Broad coastal lands, vast plains and plateaus, lofty mountain ranges, great rivers, waterfalls and dry deserts make this country unique.
- South Africa is situated approximately between: Latitudes: 22°S and 35°S and Longitudes: 16°E and 33°E.
- The Cape of Good Hope is situated at the southernmost tip of the African continent, on the shores of the Atlantic.
- Colonisation is the political, social, economic and cultural domination and control of one country over another region and its people.
- The Great Trek is the exodus of the Boers to the interior areas of South Africa to escape from such policies introduced by the British.
- Following the Great Trek, the Boers established Republics in Transvaal, Orange Free State and Natal.
- Mahatma Gandhi reached South Africa in 1893.
- South Africa is known as ‘Gandhiji’s Political Laboratory.”
- The South African Party led by the Whites came to power in the first election after South Africa became an autonomous territory under the control of Britain.
- Nelson Mandela was the person who fought for the emancipation of the South Africans who were oppressed because of their race for centuries.
- The social order that discriminated the blacks racially and economically is known as apartheid, due to which the whites in South Africa got high consideration.
- The African National Congress under the leadership of Nelson Mandela started agitations across the country for the emancipation of the blacks.