JAI GURUDEV

MAHARISHI VIDYA MANDIR

CLASS- 7 SOCIAL SCIENCE
History

Lesson 1 Medieval India : Where, When and How

Evaluation
A. Fill in the blanks:
1. 600 to 1500 AD, 2. Bharata Varsha 3. Jaidev, 4. Mahmud, 5. informative.
B. Write true or false:
1. False, 2. False, 3. True, 4. True, 5. True.
C. Choose the correct answer:
1. c. Rihla, 2. b. Kushanas, 3. a. epigrapy
D. Answer the following questions briefly.
1. Name the three stages of history
Ans.The three stages of history – ancient, medieval and modern.
2. Why was India known as the Golden Sparrow?
Ans. The fertile Indo-Gangetic plain which made India rich and prosperous attracted
invaders towards India.
India, being a peninsular country surrounded by seas from three sides, always had good
trade relationships with different countries These traders carried the stories of
India’s prosperity to the out-side world. They also named her the ‘golden sparrow’
3. Why was south India not affected by invasions?
Ans. Towards the south, the Vindhya and the Satpura ranges acted as barriers
discouraging the invaders from entering southern India. Hence the culture of south
India was isolated and less influenced by the invasions.
4. What do you understand by prashasti?
Ans. In the medieval age copper plates (tamrapatra) were also used for inscriptions.
These inscriptions were mostly dedicated to a temple or about the achievements of a
particular king. The latter is also known as prashasti (eulogy).
E. Answer the following questions.
1. Explain in detail the different names of India?
Ans. The Indian subcontinent has been referred to by different names that changed with
the time period, religion and language of the people.
To the Hindus, it is Bharata Varsha or the land of Bharata, the illustrious son of
Shakuntala and Dushyanta as told in the Puranas. It is also known as Jambu-Dwipa,
 the name which was in use from the third century BC. The Greeks gave the name
India.
The Vedic name of India was Sapta-Sindhu which in Persian language became Hapta-
Hindu.
Later the word Hindu became Hind and the people began to be known as Hindi. The
country where the Hindi people lived was known as Hindustan.
2. How did geographical locations affect the history and culture of India?
Ans. Due to a unique geographical position India always enjoyed a distinct place in the
history of the world. To her north lies the great Himalayas
which acted as a natural barrier. However, with the help of passes particularly
through the Khyber Pass invaders and traders entered India.
Similarly, the fertile Indo-Gangetic plain which made India rich and prosperous attracted
invaders towards India.
India, being a peninsular country surrounded by seas from three sides, always had good
trade relationships with different countries These traders carried the stories of
India’s prosperity to the out-side world.
The invasions had a long lasting effect on India. Culturally and socially she became richer.
Towards the south, the Vindhya and the Satpura ranges acted as barriers
discouraging the invaders from entering southern India. Hence the culture
of south India was isolated and less influenced by the
invasions.
3. Explain the different sources of information which helped us to know the medieval
period of India.
Ans. The history of medieval India is very vast as well as rich in terms of sources. To know
and understand this rich history, historians have to take the help of different sources.
In ancient India most inscriptions were on rocks but in the medieval age copper plates
(tamrapatra) were also used for inscriptions. These inscriptions were mostly
dedicated to a temple or about the achievements of a particular king. The latter is
also known as prashasti (eulogy).
Coins– Coins not only give us a lot of information but are also very often masterpieces of
art. The Gupta period coins are still regarded as one of the
finest examples of Indian art. Moreover, the metals used for the coins give
the indication of the economic condition of that period. As far as the dates are
concerned, coins are one of the most authentic source for historians.
Monuments– Medieval India is known for its monuments.
The monuments not only help us to know about the political, social and economic
conditions of that time but also the current level of advancement of the arts and
architecture. This was the time when Turkish architecture blended with Hindu
architecture and a new style combining the features of both was born.
Painting– Painting helps us to know many details of the culture and society of any time
period. They tell us about the different social customs, the way of dressing, jewellery,
impact of religion, festivals, village life, city life and so on. Not only historians, but
anyone can visualize the past by looking at paintings.
 Literary works– Different authors, writers and kings have contributed to medieval
literature. To name some, we have Prithviraj Raso by Chand Bardai, Baburnama by
Babur, Akbarnama by Abul Fazal, Geet Govinda by Jaidev and many more.
Travelogues– Travellers, traders and pilgrims from different countries visited India
during the medieval period.
Alberuni who came with Mahmud of Ghazni wrote Tahqiq-i-Hind.
Ibn Batuta, a traveller from Morocco visited India during the reign of Muhammad-
bin-Tughlaq. He recorded his travel experiences in an
account called Rihla, which literally means ‘the journey’.
Marco Polo and Mannucci who came from Italy, wrote interesting accounts about their
travels and their visits to India.

Lesson 2 New Kings and Kingdoms

Evaluation
A. Fill in the blanks:
1. Chauhans, Chandelas, 2. Dhar, 3. the Chandelas, 4. protector, 5. Alberuni.
B. Write true or false:
1. False, 2. True, 3. True, 4. False, 5. False.
C. Choose the correct answer:
1. d. The Rajputs
2. a. Nabhatta I
3. c. Alauddin Khilji
4. b. Jaichand
5. a. Chola dynasty
6. c.
Chandela dynasty
D. Answer the following questions briefly:
1. Who were the Rajputs?
Ans. The Rajputs were a very brave clan. They were born warriors. They were believed
to be the descendents of kshatriyas and were known for their fierce patriotism and
chivalry.
2. Write two sentences about Raja Bhoja.

Ans. The Paramaras ruled the region around Malwa. Raja Bhoja was the most
important king of this dynasty. He was a great patron of learning as well as a versatile
scholar. He also started a college for Sanskrit studies.
3. Why was Prithvi Raj Chouhan defeated in the second Battle of Tarain?
Ans. In the second Battle of Tarain (1192), Prithvi Raj’s was defeated and executed.
This defeat could have been averted if Jaichand had come
 to Prithi Raj’s rescue. But Jaichand was angry and jealous of Prithvi Raj and
hence did not give him the necessary support.
4. Who was Amoghvarsha 1? Name his book.
Ans. Amoghavarsha I belongs to the Rashtrakuta dynasty and was the successor of
Dhruva in the 9th century AD made Manyakheta as his capital. He had a long reign of
66 years. He was a patron of learning and wrote Kavi Rajamarga in Kannada.
5. Who established the city gangai Kondan Cholapuram?
Ans. Rajendra Chola I, established a new capital namely Gangaskonda Cholapuram to
commemorate his victories.
E. Answer the following questions.
th th
1. Why is the period between 8 and 12 centuries AD known as the Rajput period of
Indian history?
Ans. The Rajputs were a very brave clan. They were born warriors. They were believed
to be the descendents of kshatriyas and were known for their fierce patriotism and
chivalry. The Turkish and Afghan invaders faced tough
resistance from the Rajputs.
Even Akbar had to follow a policy of diplomacy known as the Rajput policy to maintain
peace in his empire. Thus the period of 8th and 12th centuries AD in the history of
India belongs to the great Rajputs and hence known as the Rajput period.
2. Write a short note on the Pratiharas.
Ans. Some historians claim that the Gurjar Pratiharas or the Pratiharas were the purest
of the kshatriyas while others say that the Pratiharas were the descendents of the
Gurjara race hence known as Gurjara-Pratihara.
From the 8th century AD to the beginning of 11th century AD, the Pratiharas ruled.
Nagbhatta I was the founder ruler. He stabilized the dynasty by defeating the Arabs.
Nagbhatta I was succeeded by his son Nagbhatta II. He captured Kannauj and made
it his capital. He was followed by his grandson Mihira who took the title of Bhoja. He
was a powerful king who enjoyed a reign lasting half a century. He defeated the
Gaudas of Bengal and expanded the Pratihara empirefrom Bengal to
Sind and southwards as far as the Vindhyas.
The Pratiharas dynasty came to an end when Kanauj was captured by Mahmud of
Ghazni in 1018 AD.
3. Wrie a paragraph on Mahmud of Ghazni.
Ans. Mahmud of Ghazni was a great soldier as also a patron of arts and literature.
Though, it is true that in the beginning he had no intention to build an empire in India, he
was attracted by the wealth of India. As a result he attacked India several times
between 1010 AD and 1026 AD. The famous Somanth temple of Gujarat known for
its riches was invaded seven times by Mahmud. His main objective was to capture
gold, jewels and slaves.
4. Explain in detail about the Rashtrakutas.
 Ans. The Rashtrakutas had an empirewhich extended from south
Gujarat, Malwa and Baghelkhand in the north to Tanjore in the south.
Dantidurga was the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, he defeated the Chalukayas
of Badami. He was succeeded by his uncle Krishna-I. The famous Kailasa temple at
Ellora was built by him. Dhura the younger son of Krishna I defeated the Pratiharas
and the Pala’s Amoghvarsha-I, in the 9th century AD made Manyakheta as his
capital. He had a long reign of 66 years. He was a patron of learning and wrote Kavi
Rajamarga in Kannada. The Rashtrakuta dynasty came to an end when the
Chalukayas of Kalyan defeated them.
5. Discuss the conquests of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola.
Ans. Rajaraja Chola was an ambitious king. He defeated the Pandyas and eastern
Chalukyas of Vengi. The western Chalukyan king was forced to make peace with
Rajaraja Chola. He also subjugated Kerala, Ceylon and even the Maldives.
Rajendra Chola I, like his father Rajaraja Chola followed the policy of expansion.
He defeated Vengi, Malaya and Ceylon. Also he defeated Kalinga and led an expedition
to the valley of Ganga. He conquered Bihar and
defeated the Pala king of Bengal. These victories brought him the title of
Gangai Kondan (Conquerer of Ganga).

Lesson 3 The Sultans of Delhi (1206–1526 AD)

Evaluation
A. Fill in the blanks:
1. Qutubuddin Aibek, 2. Razia, 3. Ghiyasuddin Balban, 4. Muhammad Bin Tughlq, 5.
Chengiz Khan, 6. Daulatabad, 7. Khizer Khan, 8. Babur, 9. Sultan Sikander Shah, 10.
Daulat Khan and Alam Khan.
B. Write true or false:
1. False, 2. False, 3. True, 4. False, 5. True.
C. Choose the right answer:
1. b. Balban
2. c. Alauddin
3. d. Feroz Shah Tughlaq
4. c. Bahlol Lodhi
5. d.
Babur
D. Answer the following questions briefly.
1. How many dynasties were there during the Sultanate period? Name them
Ans. The Delhi Sultanate lasted for more than 300 years. During this period, northern
India was ruled by five different dynasties. The dynasties were:
The Slave Dynasty
(1206-1290 AD)
 The Khilji Dynasty (1290 –
1320AD)
The Tughlaq Dynasty (1320 – 1399 AD)
The Sayyaids (1414 – 1451 AD)
The Lodhis (1451 – 1526 AD)
2. How did IItutmish save India from Mongol invasion?
Ans.
The real threat to Iltutmish empire came from Chengiz Khan, the Mongol leader. He
entered India chasing the Shah of Persia. The Shah then asked refuge from IItutmish.
Iltutmish did not want to annoy the Mongols so he did not give refuge to the Shah of Persia.
Finally the Mongols, left India after plundering western Punjab.
3. Why did IItutmish choose Raia as his successor?
Ans. Razia was nominated by her father, Iltutmish as his successor, because Iltutmish
had no faith in his worthless sons.
4. Who was Balban?
Ans. After Razia’s tumultous reign lasting three years, her younger brother Nasiruddin
came to the throne. Nasiruddin was a learned man but as Sultan he depended
completely on Balban, a former slave. Balban looked after the empire on behalf of
Nasiruddin. Nasiruddin, who died after a long illness, nominated Balban as his
successor. Balban was the last sultan of the sultan dynasty.
5. Why did the token currency plan of Muhammed bin Tughlaq fail?
Ans. The most daring of Tughlaq’s experiments was the issue of a token currency in
copper coins. Due to his various and ambitious plans Muhammad Tughlaq began
running short of money. As a result copper coins were issued which had the same face
value as those of gold and silver. The Sultan could not be accused of any plan to cheat
the people. On the contrary had it been under honest officials, it would have been a great
success. However, as there was no authenticity of the copper tokens, every village
became an open mint and the administration failed to take proper precautions against
this forgery.
E. Answer the following questions.
1. Write a detailed note on Razia Sultan.
Ans.
Razia was nominated by her father, Iltutmish as his successor, because Iltutmish had no
faith in his worthless sons. The nobles did not like it and they offered the throne to
Runukuddin. But within no time the nobles realized their mistake and raised Razia to
the throne.
Razia assumed the title of Sultan and tried her best to live up to her father’s expectations.

As Sultan she had to face many problems. The Chalisa (group of forty) was envious of her
position. Her favour for Yakut, an Abyssinian slave was also not liked by the nobles.
 Razia married Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda (Punjab) but they were captured and
put to death together in 1239–1240 AD. In spite of having all the good qualities of a
Sultan, Razia failed because the nobles were too proud to be ruled by a woman.
2. Explain the administration of Alauddin Khilji.
Ans. Alauddin was an able administrator. For his ambitious conquests he had to
maintain a huge army. Alauddin wanted his soldiers to be able to live within the salaries
paid to them. To accomplish this aim he tried to control the prices of necessities. He
fixed the price of articles and had it enforced rigorously.
To keep a check on the nobles, banquets and social gatherings were prohibited. Iqtas
were taken back. An efficientnespionage system was introduced. He also
maintained vast stores of grains to meet different kinds of emergencies. Many
scholars were patronized by Alauddin.
3. Describe the rule of Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
Ans. As Muhammad Tughlaq left no male heir, his nephew Feroz Shah Tughlaq was
nominated by the nobles as his successor.
Feroz was an orthodox Muslim. As he was weak and lacked leadership
qualities, he did not try to regain the lost provinces. Instead, he started many
schemes for the welfare of his subjects. He built many dams, building and gardens.
In fact Feroz Shah Tughlaq is remembered more for the forts and mosques he built than
his conquests.
4. Explain the invasion of Timur and its consequences.
Ans. A chaotic situation prevailed after the death of Feroz Shah Tughlaq. The successors
of Feroz Shah were weak. This was the situation when Timur invaded India.
Timur was a great general as also an ambitious invader. The wealth of India tempted him
to invade India. Moreover, the weak and disintegrated Delhi empire made his job
easy.
In 1398 AD Timur entered Delhi. Sultan Mahmud and Mallu Iqbal tried to oppose him
but they were defeated and fled for their lives.
After occupying Delhi, his troops carried out a general massacre which lasted for several
days. Thousands of people were slain.
Timur had no plans to stay in India. After staying in Delhi for fifteen days, Timur
left India plundering Meerut, Haridwar and the foothills of the Himalayas. Famine,
anarchy and epidemic followed him. Before leaving India, he appointed Khizer Khan
Sayyed as the governor of Multan and Lahore. Timur took with him enormous
wealth and skilled artisans to Samarkand. The invasion of Timur was a great blow to
the Tughlaq Dynasty.
GEOGRAPHY

Lesson 2 Structure of the Earth and Rocks and Minerals

Evaluation
A. Fill in the blanks:
 1. Intrusive, 2. calcareous, 3. seismic 4. mantle, 5. iron and nickel.
B. Write true or false:
1. True, 2. False, 3. True, 4. True, 5. True
C. Choose the correct option:
1. c. core
2. a. coal
3. b. chemically-formed sedimentary rocks
4. a. extrusive rock
D. Answer the following questions:
1. How are sedimentary rocks formed?
Ans. Sedimentary rocks are formed from previously existing rocks which are known as
parent rocks. Forces of nature such as heat, water, wind, moving ice, etc., are always
breaking these parent rocks into smaller particles and fragments. These particles or
fragments are transported by these forces of nature and deposited at some other place.
Over a period of time, these sediments become hard due to the pressure exerted by
their own weight and cementation.
Sedimentary rocks are formed in distinct layers. These layers are known as strata. Each
layer would have different sediment composition and size. The Sedimentary rocks are
also known as Stratified rocks.
2. Differentiate between SIAL and SIMA.
Ans. The topmost or the outer layer of the Earth is the Crust or the Lithosphere. The
crust is a very thin layer. The thickness of the crust varies between 8 km and 50 km. It is
composed of two parts–the Sial and the Sima.
The upper part of the crust is known as the Sial since it is composed chiefly of the
elements silica (Si) and aluminium (Al). The average density of the Sial is around
2.7g/cm3 and its mean thickness is about 20 km. Below the Sial, lies the Sima which is
composed mainly of silica (Si) and magnesium (Mg). The average density of the Sima
is of 3 to 3.5g/ cm3 and is therefore heavier than the Sial. The ocean floors are
parts of the Sima, while, the lighter Sial which make up the continents appears to
‘float’ on the Sima.
3. How are rocks important?
Ans. Importance of Rocks to Man:
• A great variety of metallic and non-metallic minerals are found in rocks. These
minerals are extracted by man and used for various economic activities
including production.
• Rocks are a source of fuel minerals like coal, petroleum and natural gas.
• The disintegration and fragmentation of rocks results in the formation of mineral
rich soil.
• Rocks are sources of precious metals like gold, silver, etc., and precious rocks like
diamond, ruby, etc., used in jewellery and industry.
 • Different kinds of rocks are used for the construction of buildings, dams, roads,
etc.
4. Differentiate between igneous and metamorphic rock.
Ans. Igneous rocks are formed when magma or molten matter originating from inside
the Earth reaches its surface and solidifies. This molten matter reaches the Earth’s
surface whenever volcanoes erupt.
When during a volcanic eruption, the magma does not reach the Earth’s surface but
solidifies below the surface, it is then known as an Intrusive Rock. Granite is
an example of a intrusive rock.
When the magma reaches the surface of the Earth this magma is known as lava.When
the lava solidifies it is known as an Extrusive Rock. Basalt is an example of an
Extrusive Rock. The northwestern part of peninsular India is covered by basaltic
lava rocks.
Sometimes due to high pressure and temperature, both igneous and sedimentary rocks
undergo a complete change in their appearance and composition and form a
completely different rock. Such rocks are called metamorphic rocks. Marble (from
limestone), slate (from clay) and quartzite (from sand) are examples of
metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic rocks are harder and more compact than their
original rocks.
When transformation of the original rock takes place primarily due to high temperature
such rocks are said to be formed through Thermal Metamorphism. Graphite (from
coal) and slate (from clay) are examples of such rocks. When transformation of
the original rocks is primarily due to high pressure such rocks are said to be formed
through Dynamic Metamorphism.
5. Based on origin and composition, how are sedimentary rocks classified?
Ans. Sedimentary rocks can be classified into three types based on
their origin and composition:
a. Mechanically-formed Sedimentary Rocks: When the agents of nature disintegrate the
parent rock into particles and fragments which are transported to a different place
where they are deposited and then cemented together. Shales, sand stones, clay, etc.,
are examples of mechanically-formed sedimentary rocks.
b. Organically-formed Sedimentary Rocks: The deposition of skeletons and shells of sea
organisms in the continental shelf form calcareous rocks. Examples of calcareous rocks
are limestone and chalk. When the remains of sea animals and plants get preserved
in these rocks for a very long time they are known as fossils. When the remains of plants
remain buried in great quantity over a long period of time, they decay and lose most of
their elements except carbon due to pressure and heat, these are known as
Carbonaceous Rocks.
c. Chemically-formed Sedimentary Rocks: When water evaporates from mineral solutions,
rocks are formed. Such rocks are formed in shallow desert lakes where water
evaporates rapidly. Gypsum is an example of a chemically-formed sedimentary
rock.
E. Match the columns:
1. Sima,
2. metamorphic rock
3. magma on the Earth’s surface
4. mantle
5.igneous rock
Lesson 3 Earth Movements and Major Landforms

Evaluation
A. Fill in the blanks:
1. rift-valley or graben, 2. vuleanism, 3. Mauna Kea, 4. acidic
B. Write true or false:
1. False 2. True 3. False 4. True 5. False
C. Choose the correct option:
1. d. longitudinal valleys.
2. b. fold mountain region
3. d. active volcanoes
4. b. through which magma emanates.
D. Answer the following questions:
1. What are tectonic movements?
Ans. Tectonic movements are internal forces which develop inside the Earth’s crust.
These are of two kinds: Vertical movements and Horizontal movements.
Vertical Movements: A portion of the Earth’s surface rises and falls with the vertical
movement of the Earth.
Horizontal Movements: The compressional or the tensional forces lead to horizontal
movements.
2. Differentiate between folding and faulting.
Ans. The bending of horizontal layers of rocks is known as folding. Folding is a common
phenomenon in mountainous regions wherein a portion of the Earth is compressed, due
to horizontal force, into parallel folds. The up-folds are called anticlines and the down-
fold as synclines. The anticlines form the fold mountains while the synclines form
longitudinal valleys. The Alps in Europe, the Atlas in Africa, the Himalayas in Asia, the
Rockies in North America, are examples of fold mountains.
Faulting: When the horizontal layer of the Earth breaks instead of folding, it results in
one side of the break or joint in the rock to rise or sink along the plane of fracture.
This movement is known as faulting.
Faulting, gives rise to well marked relief features. When a strip of land sinks between
two faults to create a long and narrow depression, it is called a rift-valley or graben.
The Rhine Valley, the Valley of Nile, the Jordan Valley etc., are some examples of
a rift-valley. Some of the rift-valleys are filled up with water giving rise to
 important lakes such as Dead Sea, the Rudolf, etc. These are known as rift-valley
lakes.
When a narrow strip of land is elevated between two faults, it is called a horst or block
mountain. The Vosges Mountain west of the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest
plateaus east of it are examples of horsts or block mountains.
3.Explain some features of the fold mountains.
Ans. Features of Fold Mountain Region
• The fold mountain region consists of series of ranges which run parallel to each
other.
• The topography of this region is typically characterized by peaks and valleys.
• Between the high ranges are found intermontane plateaus.
• Glaciers are generally present in this region with all glacial related activities
present. Glacier related landforms such as U-shaped and hanging valleys, shallow
depressions, cirques, moraines etc., can be seen here.
• The fold mountain regions are not very stable regions, which experience
volcanic activities and earthquakes.
• Plenty of waterfalls and rapids formed due to swift flowing rivers down the high
peak mountains are common in this region.
4.Explain the three types of volcanoes based on their activity.
Ans. Volcanoes can be classified into three groups on the basis of their activity:
Active Volcano: Volcanoes which erupt at frequent intervals are known as active
volcanoes. Mayon volcano in the Philippines and Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
are examples of active volcano. Mt Cotopaxi in Ecuador is one of the most active
volcanoes in the world.
Dormant Volcano: Volcanoes which are not currently active but are known to have
erupted and have the possibility to erupt in the future are known as dormant
volcanoes. Mauna Kea in Hawaii is an example of a dormant volcano which is
known to have erupted last in 2460 BC.
Extinct Volcano: Volcanoes which have not erupted for ten thousands of
years and are not expected to erupt again are known as extinct volcanoes. The
snow-capped MtKilimanjaro in Africa is considered to be an extinct volcano.
Sometimes volcanoes considered extinct may erupt suddenly. MtVesuvius erupted
suddenly in AD 79, destroying the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii.

5. Explain briefly cinder cone volcanoes.

Ans. Cinder Cone volcanoes are simplest kinds of volcanoes. The lava is blown out violently
from their vents. Pieces and fragments ejected and blown upwards form the cone that is
circular or oval shaped as the crater bowl takes shape.
6. What do you understand by the ‘Ring of Fire’?
 Ans. The circum-Pacific belt is also called the ‘Ring of Fire’ since it contains a large
number of active volcanoes in this belt. This belt encircles the Pacific Ocean in Asia
and the Americas. The important volcanoes found in this belt are Mt Fujiyama in
Japan, Taal in Philippines, Chimborezo and Cotopaxi in Ecuador, and Mayon in
Philippines.

CIVICS

Lesson 2 Institutional Representation of Democracy

Evaluation
A. Fill in the blanks:
1. universal adult franchise, 2. programmes, policies, 3. Democratic Party, Republican
Party, 4. Chief Election Commission, 5. scrictinized.
B. Write true or false:
1. False, 2. False, 3. True, 4. True, 5. False.
C. Choose the correct answer:
1. a. franchise
2. a. election
3. c. multi-party system
4. d.all over India
D. Answer the following questions:
1.
1.
1. Explain Universal Adult Franchise with reference to UK, USA and India.
Ans. Universal adult franchise: This means that all the adult citizens (above the age of 18)
of the country have the right to vote irrespective of their caste, colour, gender,
religion or social economic status.
However, in the past only a section of people were given this right to vote. For instance, in
the United Kingdom the feudal lords or the male landowners had the right to vote. By
the 19th century people from all walks of life began demanding the right to vote. By
the beginning of the 20th century, universal adult franchise was guaranteed in some
countries.
In 1928 the British Parliament granted the right to vote to women.
In France, women got the right to vote in 1944 and in America in 1920.
Besides the women, the Blacks in America and South Africa were denied this right
due to racial discrimination.
However, contrary to the above examples, India, after getting independence
granted the right to vote to all the adult citizens of the country.
2. Describe the different steps of the election process in India.
Ans. In India, the Election Commission is responsible for a free and fair elections. The
Election Commission is an autonomous body with the Chief Election Commissioner
as the head. He is appointed by the President of India.
The Election Process in India
• Announcement of Election Dates: The election process starts only after the
Election Commissioner announces the date for the elections.
• Selection for Candidates: Keeping in mind their prospects of winning the elections,
different political parties select their candidates.
• Filling the Nomination Papers: The candidates then fill their
nomination papers within a particular time.
• Scrutiny: Once the nomination forms are filled, they are
strictlyscrutinized. Once the papers are scrutinized, either the nominations
papers are accepted or rejected. Candidates whose papers are accepted are given a
chance to withdraw their names within a particular time. After that the
final list is prepared.
• Allotment of Symbols: The national parties have permanent symbols but some
independent candidates and some parties are given symbols. These symbols help
the people to recognize different parties and candidates conveniently.
• Election Manifestos: Election manifestos are issued by different parties just before
the election. So that voters can know the programmes and policies of the parties.
• Campaigning: The campaigning process includes putting up posters, meetings,
processions and door-to-door campaigning. Forty-eight hours before polling time
campaigning comes to an end.
• To save paper and time now a days voting is done on electronic voting machines
(EVM).
• Voting and Declaration of Results: On a specified date voting is held
through the secret ballot system. Once the voting is over, votes are counted
and the result is declared.
• Filling of Election Petition: If any candidate differs on the result he/ she can move
to the court to get his/her complaint redressed.
3. Write a note on political parties.
Ans. A political party is a group of people having similar thinking, ideology and opinion
on important, social, political and economic issues of the country.
In a representative democracy like India, political parties play an important role.
Whether they are in power or in opposition, parties are known for their stand on
social, economic and political issues. Every political party tries to form the
government.
The main aim of the political party which is in power is to defend its policies and power,
while the opposition parties have the right and the duty to criticize the ruling party
constructively.
Both the ruling and the opposition parties try to educate the common people. This
political education makes the people more responsible and the democracy more
strong. The opposition keeps a check on the dictatorial attitude of the ruling party.
4. What is a coalition government? Explain it with an example.
Ans. Once the election is over the party that gets the largest number of seats in the
parliament or the state assembly forms the government.
But if no single party gets a majority then in such circumstances two or more parties join
hands to form the government.
This kind of government is called a coalition government. At present, NDA is running a
coalition government.
However, a coalition consists of different parties with different views and ideologies. As a
result most of the time the parties disagree on many issues. In that case if one or more
than one party withdraws its support, the government can fall. The sudden fall of the
government hampers the development of the country.
5. What are the different party systems in the world? Which system does India follow?
Ans. There are different party systems in the world. Countries like China and Cuba
have single ruling party systems. The ruling party enjoys absolute power. People do not
have any choice because all the candidates belong to the same party.
Countries like the United States of America have a rigid two-party system. The US
citizens choose their candidates either from the Democratic Party or the Republican
Party. India on the other hand has a multi-party system. Basically to give equal
representation to all the sections of society, India follows a multi-party system.
 Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Hyderabad

INDIA :
States & Capitals
Union Territories
Neighbouring countries
 States Capital

Andhra Pradesh Amaravati

Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar

Assam Dispur

Bihar Patna

Chhattisgarh Raipur

Goa Panaji

Gujarat Gandhinagar

Haryana Chandigarh

Himachal Pradesh Shimla

Jharkhand Ranchi

Karnataka Bengaluru

Kerala Thiruvananthapuram

Madhya Pradesh Bhopal

Maharashtra Mumbai

Manipur Imphal

Meghalaya Shillong

Mizoram Aizawl

Nagaland Kohima
 Odisha Bhubaneswar

Punjab Chandigarh

Rajasthan Jaipur

Sikkim Gangtok

Tamil Nadu Chennai

Telangana Hyderabad

Tripura Agartala

Uttar Pradesh Lucknow

Uttarakhand Dehradun

West Bengal Kolkata

Union Territories of INDIA

UNION TERRITORIES: These are the regions which are directly under the control of Central Government.

Union Territories

1.Andaman and Nicobar Islands

2.Chandigarh

3.Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu

4.Delhi

5.Jammu and Kashmir

6.Lakshadweep

7.Puducherry
(consists of 4 regions: Puducherry in TamilNadu,
Karaikal in TamilNadu
Mahe in Kerala,
Yanam in Andhra Pradesh)

8.Ladakh
PRINCIPLE: Knowledge is Structured in Consciousness