1.

Natural Resources and Their Use

1. Which of the following practices best reflect holistic soil management that prevents soil degradation? ( )
A) Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides
B) Use of cow dung and other natural fertilisers
C) Mulching and multi-cropping
D) Both (b) and (c)
A) D

2. Assertion (A) : Uneven distribution of resources influences human settlements, trade patterns,
international relations, and conflicts
Reason (R) : Natural resources are not evenly distributed across the world.
i. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. ( )
ii. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
iii. A is true, but R is false.
iv. A is false, but R is true
A) A

3. What can make what is today a renewable resource non renewable tomorrow? Describe some actions
that can prevent this from happening.
A) A renewable resource can become non-renewable if we use it too much or waste it, and nature cannot replace
it in time.
To prevent this:
 Use resources carefully.
 Plant more trees.
 Save water.
 Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
 Protect forests and wildlife.

4. Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans.

Five ecosystem functions that serve humans are:
 Provide oxygen for breathing.
 Purify air and water.
 Provide food, medicine, and raw materials.
 Maintain soil fertility for farming.
 Regulate climate and rainfall.

5. What are renewable resources? How are they different from non-renewable ones? What can people do
to ensure that renewable resources continue to be available for our use and that of future generations?
Give two examples.
Renewable resources are resources that nature can replace and regenerate.
Ex: Sun light, wind
Differences

Renewable Resources Non-renewable Resources

 Can be replaced by nature.  Cannot be replaced quickly.

 Unlimited  Limited

 Examples: Sunlight, wind.  Examples: Coal, petroleum

Ensuring Availability (Stewardship): We should use natural resources wisely so they can be renewed.
Ex 1: Save water by using drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
Ex 2: Keep soil healthy by using organic manure and crop rotation. (Example: Sikkim follows organic farming.)

6. Why is it important to conserve non-renewable resources?

It is important to conserve non-renewable resources because
 They are limited in quantity.
 They cannot be replaced quickly once used.
 Future generations will also need them.
 Conserving them helps reduce pollution and protect the environment.

7. Identify cultural practices in your home and neighbourhood that point to mindfulness in the use of
natural resources.
 Worshipping Tulsi plant
 River Worship
 Rainwater harvesting
 Using cow dung as manure
 Reusing and reducing waste
 Celebrating festivals with natural materials

8. What are some considerations to keep in mind in the production of goods for our current use?
When producing goods, we should:
 Use raw materials wisely without harming nature.
 Reduce pollution during production.
 Recycle or safely dispose of waste.
 Use less energy and fewer resources while making more goods.

9. To what extent do human actions lead to the ‘Natural Resource To Curse’?

Human actions can turn natural resources into a "resource curse" when they are overused or misused.
 Overcutting forests destroys wildlife and causes soil erosion.
 Overmining damages land and pollutes water.
 Wasting water leads to water shortages.
 Pollution from industries harms people and nature.
Our actions can cause environmental damage, conflicts, and resource shortages

10. Frame slogans that spread awareness about saving the environment.
 Save Earth, Save Life.
 Go Green, Stay Clean.
 Green Earth, Happy Earth.
 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
 Clean Earth, Bright Future.

BIG QUESTIONS

1. How do we categorise natural resources?

 Resources essential for life
 Resources for materials
 Resources for energy

[Link] is the connection between the distribution of natural resources and different aspects of life?
 Natural resources are not equally available everywhere.
 Places with more resources have more jobs and industries.
 Places with fewer resources depend on other places.
 The availability of resources affects people's lives, occupations, economy, and development.

3. What are the implications of unsustainable use / over exploitation of natural resources?
 Resources become less.
 Groundwater level falls.
 Soil becomes less fertile.
 Forests and animals are affected.
 Pollution increases.
 Future generations may not have enough resources.

2. Reshaping India’s Political Map

1. Identify the correct chronological order of the Delhi Sultanate dynasties. (A)
A) Mamluks -- Khaljis -- Tughluqs -- Sayyids -- Lodis
B) Khaljis -- Mamluks -- Tughluqs -- Sayyids -- Lodis
C) Mamluks -- Tughluqs -- Khaljis -- Sayyids -- Lodis
D) Mamluks -- Khaljis -- Sayyids -- Tughluqs -- Lodis

2. The primary purpose of the Mansabdari system in Akbar’s administration ( B )

A) To maintain a permanent central army
B) To maintain a decentralized army
C) To reduce the number of officers
D) To promote trade and commerce

3. Compare the political strategies of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals. What similarities and differences
existed between them?
Similarities
 Both won their kingdoms through wars.
 Both had a strong king.
 Both collected land revenue.
 Both kept a large army.
Differences

Delhi Sultanate Mughal Empire

 Kings changed frequently.  They had stable dynastic rule.

 Ruled through governors and military  Ruled through governors and
officers. mansabdars.
 Ruled by force.  Built friendships with local rulers.
4. Why did kingdoms like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahom Kingdom manage to resist conquest for a
longer time compared to others? What geographical, military, and social factors contributed to their success?
Geography:
 Ahoms: Kingdom was protected by hills, forests, and Brahmaputra River.
 Vijayanagara: Kingdom was protected by the rocky land of the Deccan.
Military:
 Ahoms: Used the Paik system to keep a large army ready.
 Vijayanagara: Had strong forts and a powerful cavalry.
Social: They had the support of the local people and chiefs.

5. Imagine you are a scholar in the court of Akbar or Krishnadevaraya. Write a letter to a friend describing
the politics, trade, culture, and society you are witnessing.

Dear Friend,
I hope you are well. I am happy to tell you about life in Emperor Akbar's court.
Akbar is a good ruler. His officers collect taxes and keep law and order. Trade is good, and many goods are sold in
the markets.
Akbar encourages art, music, and learning. People of different religions live together happily. The kingdom is rich,
peaceful, and well managed.
I hope you visit this place soon.
Your friend,
xxxxxxxxxx

Dear Friend,
I hope you are fine. I am writing to tell you about life in the court of King Krishnadevaraya.
The king rules the kingdom well. He has a strong army and keeps the people safe. Trade is good, and merchants sell
spices, cloth, and jewels.
The king supports art, music, and learning. Many temples are built, and people celebrate festivals happily.
The kingdom is rich and peaceful. I hope you visit this wonderful place soon.
Your friend,
xxxxxxxxxx

6. How come Akbar, a ruthless conqueror in his young days, grew tolerant and benevolent after some years?
What could have led to such a change?
Reasons for the change:
 Akbar wanted the support of the people to rule the empire well.
 He learned from people of different religions.
 As he grew older, he became a wise and kind ruler.
 He wanted peace and unity in his empire.

7. What might have happened if the Vijayanagara Empire had won the Battle of Talikota? Imagine and
describe how it could have changed the political and cultural history of south India.
If the Vijayanagara Empire had won the Battle of Talikota:
 The Vijayanagara Empire would have remained strong for many more years.
 South India might have stayed united under one ruler.
 Trade and farming would have grown.
 Temples, art, music, and literature would have continued to develop.
 Hampi might not have been destroyed.

8. Many values promoted by early Sikhism, including equality, seva, and justice, remain relevant today. Select
one of these values and discuss how it remains relevant in contemporary society.
Relevance of Seva Today:

 Seva helps people in times of need.

 Langars provide free food to everyone, without discrimination.
 Sikh volunteers help people during natural disasters.
 Seva teaches kindness, sharing, and caring.
 It brings people together and helps build a peaceful society.

9. Imagine you are a trader in a port city (Surat, Calicut or Hooghly). Describe the scenes you see as regards
goods, people you trade with, movement of ships, etc.

 I see many ships at the port.

 Traders from many countries come here.
 I sell spices, cotton cloth, and silk.
 The market is busy and crowded.
 Workers carry goods to and from the ships.
 The port is full of trade and activity.

10. How did foreign invasions and the rise of new dynasties reshape India’s political boundaries during this
period?

 Foreign invasions weakened old kingdoms.

 New rulers started new kingdoms.
 Kingdom borders changed after wars.
 Small kingdoms joined bigger empires.
 India's political boundaries changed over time.

BIG QUESTIONS
1. How did foreign invasions and the rise of new dynasties reshape India’s political boundaries during this period?
 Foreign invasions changed kingdoms.
 New dynasties like the Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara, Mughals, and Marathas formed new kingdoms.
 India's political boundaries changed.
2. How did Indian society respond to invasions?
 People protected their culture and traditions.
 They accepted some new ideas and customs.
 Indian society remained united and strong.

How did India’s economy adapt during times of political instability?

 Trade and agriculture continued.
 Markets and local industries survived.
 The economy adjusted to changing rulers.

3. What impact did this period have on the lives of the people?

 New kingdoms and rulers changed people's lives.

 Trade, art, architecture, and culture developed.
 People adopted new customs and ideas.
 Agriculture and trade continued, despite wars.
 India became more culturally diverse.

3. The Rise of the Marathas

1. A historian studying the Aravalli hills finds that the narrow Haldi Ghati Pass was strategically used for hit-
and-run tactics against a powerful army. This pass is best known for the ( B )
A) Battle of Talikota
B) Guerrilla warfare of Maharana Pratap
C) Jauhar at Chittorgarh Fort
D) Second Battle of Panipat

2. Why were officials periodically transferred in Shivaji’s system? (B )

A) To give them experience in different regions
B) To prevent them from becoming too powerful in one place
C) To collect taxes from regional peasants
D) To promote local alliances in different regions

3. Analyse how geography (particularly mountains and coastlines) guided Maratha military strategy and state
formation.

 The Western Ghats gave protection.

 The Marathas built hill forts.
 They used mountain passes for guerrilla attacks.
 The Konkan Coast helped them build a strong navy.
 The navy protected the coast and sea trade.

4. Explain the Ashta Pradhana Mandala established by Shivaji and mention its importance in administration.
 Ashta Pradhana Mandala was the Council of Eight Ministers formed by Shivaji.
 Each minister had a different duty.
 It helped Shivaji to rule the kingdom.
 It ensured good administration and proper management.
 It helped maintain law, order, and justice.

5. The chapter states, “The British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals or any other
power.” What do you think this means? What evidence from the chapter supports this idea?
 After the Mughal Empire became weak, the Marathas became the largest power in India.
 The Marathas ruled large parts of the country.
 The British fought three Anglo-Maratha Wars.
 After defeating the Marathas in 1818, the British gained control over most of India.

6. Compare how Shivaji and later Marathas treated religious places and people of different faiths. What
evidence from the chapter shows their approach to religious diversity?
 Shivaji respected all religions.
 He protected temples, mosques, and holy places.
 Later Maratha rulers also respected people of different religions.
Evidence from the Chapter
 Shivaji protected mosques and temples.
 He treated people of all religions fairly.
 The Marathas followed a policy of religious tolerance and respect.

7. The chapter describes how forts were ‘the core of the state’ for Marathas. Why were they so important?
How did they help the Marathas survive against larger enemies?
 The Marathas built many strong hill forts.
 The forts gave them protection from enemies.
 They stored food, water, weapons, and soldiers.
 The forts helped the Marathas launch guerrilla attacks.
Ex: Raigad fort and Pratapgad fort

8. After this introduction to the Maratha period, what do you think was their most important contribution to
Indian history? Write a paragraph supporting your opinion with examples from the chapter. Then share and
discuss your ideas with classmates.
 The Marathas built the largest Indian empire before the British.
 They had good administration, fair taxes, and justice.
 They promoted Marathi and Sanskrit.
 They fought against the Mughals and the British.
 They encouraged the idea of Swaraj (self-rule).
 They made an important contribution to Indian history.

9. Imagine you are creating a short biography of a Maratha leader for younger students. Choose one
personality (Kanhoji Angre, Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde, Ahilyabai Holkar or Tarabai) and write 3-4
paragraphs highlighting what makes them inspirational. Include at least one challenge they overcame.
Ahilyabai Holkar ruled the Malwa region for 30 years. She became ruler after losing her husband and son.
She was a wise, kind, and brave queen. She ruled her kingdom with fairness and justice.
She rebuilt famous temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath. She also built ghats, wells, and roads for the people.
She supported the weavers of Maheshwar and helped traditional crafts grow. Even after many personal losses, she
continued to care for her people. This is why she is remembered as an inspirational ruler.

10. If you could visit one Maratha fort today (such as Raigad, Sindhudurg, Gingee, or Pratapgad), which
would you choose and why? Research its history, architecture, and strategic importance. Present your findings
as a digital presentation or a poster in class.
 I would choose Raigad Fort, where Shivaji was crowned in 1674.
 It is located on a hilltop, difficult for enemies to capture.
 The fort has strong walls, gateways, and secret paths.
 It was the capital of Shivaji’s kingdom, making it a symbol of Swaraj.
 Visiting Raigad shows the Maratha vision of independence and strength.

11. You have been appointed as the chief designer for Maratha coins. Design a coin that represents Maratha
achievements and values. Explain the symbols you chose.
1. Front: Shivaji's seal with a saffron flag showing Swaraj
2. Back: Lord Ganapati symbol for blessings and pride.
3. Devanagari script to show Marathi identity.
4. A fort to show strength and protection.
5. A ship or waves to show the strong Maratha navy under Kanhoji Angre.

BIG QUESTIONS
1. Who were the Marathas?
The Marathas were a powerful group of people from Maharashtra.

 [Link] did they manage to become the largest pan-Indian power before the British took over?
 They had brave leaders like Shivaji and the Peshwas.
 They used guerrilla (hit-and-run) warfare.
 They built strong hill forts for protection.
 They had good administration and a strong army.
 They expanded their rule across large parts of India.

[Link] were some features of their governance?

 They had good administration under Shivaji.
 The Ashta Pradhana Mandala (Council of Eight Ministers) helped in running the kingdom.
 They collected fair taxes.
 They gave justice to the people.
 They built strong forts for protection.
 Officials were transferred regularly to prevent corruption.
 They respected all religions and treated people fairly.

[Link] impact did the Maratha Empire leave in Indian history.

 The Marathas built the largest Indian empire before the British.
 They protected India from foreign powers.
 They gave good administration and fair rule.
 They respected all religions.
 They promoted Marathi and Sanskrit.
 They inspired the idea of Swaraj (self-rule).
 They played an important role in Indian history.

4. The Colonial Era in India

1. Arrange the following European powers in the correct order of their arrival in India. ( A )
A) Portuguese Dutch British French
B) Dutch Portuguese French British
C) Portuguese British Dutch French
D) British Portuguese Dutch French

2. Choose the correct answer by observing assertion and reason. (A )

Assertion (A) : Age of Colonialism usually refers to Europeans expansion from the 15th century onward.
Reason (R) : Political competition, economic advantages, religious conversion, and scientific inquiry motivated
these campaigns.
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.
3. What is colonialism? Give three different definitions based on the chapter or on your knowledge.
 Colonialism means a strong country controls a weaker country.
 The rulers take its wealth, resources, and money for their own benefit.
 They also introduce their own culture, education, and laws in the colony.

4. Colonial rulers often claimed that their mission was to civilise the people they ruled. Based on the evidence
in this chapter, do you think this was true in the case of India? Why or why not?
 The British said they came to civilise India.
 They built railways, telegraphs, and schools.
 But these mainly helped British trade and rule.
 India became poorer, and many industries declined.
 So, their claim of "civilising India" was mostly false.

5. How was the British approach to colonising India different from earlier European powers like the
Portuguese?

 Portuguese and French came mainly for trade.

 They had small settlements on the coast.
 The British slowly moved from trade to political power.
 They built an army, laws, and revenue system to control India.
 Their rule was stronger and more permanent than earlier Europeans.

6. Indians funded their own subjugation. What does this mean in the context of British infrastructure projects
in India like the railway and telegraph networks?
 British built railways, roads, and telegraphs in [Link] Asians & Diaspora
 These were paid for by Indian taxes and revenue.
 The systems mainly helped British soldiers and traders.
 Indians rarely got direct benefit from these projects.
 So Indians paid for things that helped the British rule them.

7. What does the phrase divide and rule mean? Give examples of how this was used by the British in India?

 The British used a policy called ‘divide and rule’.

 They encouraged fights between Hindus and Muslims.
 They gave favours to some communities to create jealousy.
 They introduced separate electorates to keep people divided.
 This weakened Indian unity and helped the British control India.
8. Choose one area of Indian life, such as agriculture, education, trade, or village life. How was it affected by
colonial rule? Can you find any signs of those changes still with us today? Express your ideas through a short
essay, a poem, a drawing, or a painting.
 Farmers were forced to grow cash crops like indigo, cotton, and opium.
 These crops were exported to Europe, not used for Indians.
 High land taxes made peasants poor.
 Famines occurred often due to less food production.
 Even today, focus on cash crops and farmer poverty shows colonial impact.

9. Imagine you are a reporter in 1857. Write a brief news report on Rani Lakshmibai resistance at Jhansi.
Include a timeline or storyboard showing how the rebellion began, spread, and ended, highlighting key events
and leaders.

 In 1857, Rani Lakshmibai refused the Doctrine of Lapse.

 She raised an army to protect Jhansi.
 Her forces fought bravely against the British.
 She died in June 1858 while fighting on horseback.
 She became a symbol of courage and freedom for Indians.

10. Imagine an alternate history where India was never colonised by European powers. Write a short story of
about 300 words exploring how India might have developed on its own path.
 India could have developed its own industries and trade.
 Traditional crafts and agriculture would have grown stronger.
 Local rulers may have modernised slowly with Indian values.
 Poverty and famines might have been avoided.
 India may have united earlier without foreign rule.

11. Role-play : Enact a historical discussion between a British official and an Indian personality like Dadabhai
Naoroji on the British colonial rule in India.
 British Official: “We gave railways, law, and education.”
 Naoroji: “But you drain India’s wealth and keep people poor.”
 British Official: “We brought civilisation to India.”
 Naoroji: “True civilisation is justice and equality, not exploitation.”
 This shows how Indians challenged false British claims.

12. Explore a local resistance movement (tribal, peasant, or princely) from your state or region during the
colonial period. Prepare a report or poster describing:
 What was the specific trigger, if any? Who led the movement?
 What were their demands?
 How did the British respond?
  How is this event remembered today (e.g., local festivals, songs, monuments)?
A) Local Resistance Movement (Example – Santhal Revolt, 1855, Jharkhand region)
 Trigger: Oppression by moneylenders, zamindars, and British revenue policies.
 Leaders: Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu.
 Demands: End of exploitation and freedom from British officials.
 British Response: Revolt was suppressed with force.
 Memory Today: Remembered in local songs, festivals, and statues of Sidhu-Kanhu.

BIG QUESTIONS
1. What is colonialism?
Colonialism means one country politically and economically controlling another weaker country.

2. What drew European powers to India?

 Spices and textiles of India.
 Trade was profitable in India.
 Europeans had direct sea routes to India.
 To spread Christianity.

3. What was India’s economic and geopolitical standing before and during the colonial period?
Before the Colonial Period:
 India was a rich and prosperous country.
 It had good trade with many countries.
 India had powerful kingdoms and was independent.
During the Colonial Period:
 The British controlled India.
 They used India's wealth and resources for their own benefit.
 Many Indian industries declined, and poverty increased.

4. How did the British colonial domination of India impact the country?

Impact of British Colonial Rule on India:

 India lost its independence.

 The British used India's wealth and resources for their own benefit.
 Many Indian industries and handicrafts declined.
 Farmers paid heavy taxes.
 Poverty and famines increased.
 At the same time, the British introduced railways, post, telegraph, and modern education, mainly to help their
administration.