Class VI

Chapter-5   The Realms of Earth

Q1. Name the four realms of the earth?

A1. The earth can be divided into four realms:

   1.    The Lithosphere(Land)

   2.    The Hydrosphere(Water)

   3.    The Atmosphere(Air)

   4.    The Biosphere(Life)

Q2. Which four gases constitute only one percent of the total volume of the atmosphere?

A2. Gases that constitute only one percent of the total volume of the atmosphere are:

   1.    Argon

   2.    Hydrogen

   3.    Helium

   4.    Carbon Dioxide

Q3. Which continent is not inhabited by the people and why?

A3. 1. Antarctica is covered by with very thick sheets of ice and snow.

2. It is estimated that 3/4^th of the total mass of ice is found in Antarctica.

3. Due to very cold conditions the land is not inhabited by human beings.

Q4. Why is earth known as ‘unique planet’?

A4. 1. Our earth is known as a ‘unique planet’ because this is the only planet where life is known to exist.

2. It consists of land, air and water as the major physical elements.

3. The earth has all the favourable conditions which support life on the earth.

Q5. Define Relief or Landforms. Name three major landforms on the land surface.

A5.1. The difference in the height and slopes of the land surface is known as Landforms.

2. The major landforms are grouped as- mountains, plateaus, and plains.

E1. What are plains? Explain briefly the formation of plains.

A1.

1. A plain is a relatively low-lying flat land and its average height is between 100 and 200 metres above sea level.

2. Plains are densely populated as they have fertile soil, abundant supply of water and ideal climate.

3. Most of the plains in the world have been formed by rivers. eg. The Northern Plains of India has been formed by the Ganga river system.

4. The rivers carry away large volume of silt and sediments from the mountains and deposit them in low-lying areas to form plains.

5. Some of the  important plains are the Great China Plain, The Egyptian Plain and the Plain of Iraq.

E2. Give a brief account of the plateaus of the world.

A2. 

1. A plateau is an upland with rugged surface. It is like a tableland uplifted from its surroundings.

2. Its average height is 600 metres above the sea level.

3. The Plateau of Tibet also known as Roof of the World is the highest plateau of the World.

4. The Deccan Plateau in India, the Arabian Plateau and the Brazil Plateau are some of the large plateaus of the world.

5. Most of the plateaus are the storehouses of minerals, such as iron-ore, gold etc.

E3. Name the two main gases of the atmosphere. Write the significance of each.

A3. The two main gases of the atmosphere are Nitrogen and Oxygen.

Significance of Nitrogen

    1.    78% volume of gas in the atmosphere is Nitrogen.  

    2.    It is very essential for the biosphere to exist.

3. 3..    It is nitrogen that dilutes oxygen and prevents rapid burning at the earth’s surface.

Significance of Oxygen

    1.    Oxygen is 21% of the total volume.

    2.    It is very essential for the biosphere to exist.

    3.    It is essential for respiration and burning.

E4. What is meant by hydrosphere? Briefly explain the importance of hydrosphere.

A4.Hydrosphere refers to the layer of water on the surface of the earth, below the surface of the earth and also in the air.

Importance of Hydrosphere

   1.    The ocean facilitates countries and regions to trade with one another.

   

   2.    Goods can be moved in a very large quantity by ships and the water transport is cheaper than any other mode of transport.

   

   3.    The marine environment provides animal and plant life for food and trade in abundance.

   

   4.    Some of the valuable mineral resources are found in the ocean floor. Mineral oil, manganese nodules, gold, platinum, nickel, copper and cobalt.

   

  5.    Several countries are tapping mineral oils as a source of energy in a big way.

E5. How are human activities responsible for causing ecological imbalance?

A5..

1. Over population – rapid increase in the population has resulted in scarcity of resources

2. Deforestation- Cutting down of forest on large scale for fulfilment of human needs have resulted in imbalance in nature.

3. Besides these, pollution of air, Land and water and has increased beyond the point of control.

4. Excessive use of fossil fuels.

5. Urbanisation and Industrialisation have drastic effects on the nature.

CHAPTER – 22 UNPACKING GENDER

Class VII

D Answer in brief :-

Q1. Write one example each of stereotypical gender roles of boys and girls.

Ans. a) Males are told ‘boys don’t cry’ and are given guns and cars as toys.

b) Girls are schooled to be soft and obedient and are given dolls and playhouses to play traditional female home-making roles.

Q2. How is stereotyping harmful?

Ans. The notion of stereotyping is generally negative as:

   a)    It creates discrimination that results in inequality.

   b)   It hampers the individual thought.

   c)   It is prejudiced, irrational and based on fear of what is different.

Q3. What are the similarities between rural and urban women’s conditions?

Ans. The rural and urban women both work hard for their family but their work is considered unaccountable and unproductive. They face discrimination and do not get their rightful place in the family and society.

Q4. Explain different types of gender inequality?

Ans. The different types of inequality are-

1.   Morality Inequality- Women mortality rates are higher as compared to men all over the world.

2.   Natality Inequality- Many male-dominated societies have preference for boys. The techniques of determining the gender of the foetus has encouraged the inhuman practices.

3.   Basic Facility Inequality- Girls are denied the right to education and many other facilities in many countries, even today.

4.   Special Opportunity Inequality- The opportunities of higher education and professional training are less for young women and more for young men.

5.   Professional Inequality-In employment as well as promotion women often face discrimination.

6.   Ownership Inequality- In many societies the basic assets i.e. home and land are owned by males. The lack of claim to property reduces the voice of women.

7.   Household Inequality- There are basic inequalities in gender that are reflected in sharing of housework and childcare.

Q5. What is meant by invisibilisation of women’s Labour?

Ans. Invisibilisation of women’s labour means that women do not get their due share as their housework and childcare are not considered as work. It’s not considered productive as it cannot be calculated in monetary terms

E. Answer the following:-

Q1. Why are there differences in value attached to the work of males and females?

Ans.

   

   1.   Stereotyping of roles has deep roots in human mind. It may have originated in the early primitive tribes, as they struggled for the control of territory, the physical strength was considered very important. But unfortunately, the domination continues even in modern times.

   

   2.   Stereotyping of gender roles may vary from culture to culture, but the fact remains that most behavioural differences between males and females are determined by society.

  

   3.   The set activities assigned to girls and boys do not end with the selection of toys for each. They even influence the selection of subjects in schools and college. Later on, the value attached to the work of males and females also differ.

Q2. Without gender equality, the women empowerment is meaningless. Do you agree with the statement? Give two examples in support of your answer.

Ans. Yes without gender equality women empowerment is meaningless.

For example:- 

   

   1.   If the women are empowered to do jobs but are paid less as compared to their male counterparts then this empowerment is meaningless.

   

   2.   If women are educated but don’t share equal status and power in family and society and are denied their rightful places, then their education is of no use.

Thus, from the above examples we can conclude that gender equality is very much necessary for women empowerment.

Q3. How has education brought awareness among the women and empowered them?

Ans.

   1.   Education and awareness has empowered the woman to emerge as a powerful force in political and economic spheres.

   

   2.   Many woman social activists have led strong movements against the government. In politics women have shown the world that they are capable of being eminent leaders.

   

   3.   They have achieved international fame in the world of writing, fashion, herbal beauty, information technology, medicine, engineering, teaching, aeronautics, games and sports etc.

   4.   Education makes the women aware of their fights, their rightful place in the society and the factors that hamper their growth.

   5.   It empowers the women to recognize her potential and end the gender bias.

Q4. How does the gender equality help a democratic country?

Ans.

    1.   Gender inequality hurts the interest of not only girls and grown up women, but also of boys and men, who play an important role in achieving gender equality.

    2.   Equal sharing of responsibilities and a harmonious partnership between a man and a woman are necessary for the well being of their family as well as Indian democracy.

    3.   Shared power and responsibility between woman and man at home, in workplace at national and international levels would help to create harmony within the family and society.

Q5. Suggest any four ways to end gender discrimination.

Ans. We can end gender discrimination by -

   1.   By providing education to the women.

   2.   Changing the mindset of the people by creating awareness in the society.

   3.   Sensitizing the society about gender related issues.

   4.   Government should launch some more policies and programmes like ‘Project Priyadarshani’.

           Class VII

              CHAPTER-15 THE MUGHAL EMPIRE

D: Answer the following questions in brief:-

Q.1 What was Din-I-Ilahi and who started it?

A1. Akbar started Din-I-Ilahi in1586 by blending the good points of all religions like Hinduism, Christianity, Jainism and other faiths, with Islam. Din-I-Ilahi was not a religion but a socio-religious path to bridge the differences among different communities.

Q.2 Why is Shah Jahan known as “Engineer king”?

A2. Shah Jahan is known as an Engineer king because he built the peacock throne. The Taj Mahal at Agra, the Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Delhi , and numerous other works of art and architecture testify his wealth as well his aesthetic sense.

Q.3 What was the political conditions of India before Babur’s invasions?

A3. The political conditions of India before Babur’s invasions was-

   1.   India was an easy prey for any invader as it was divided into a number of small states.

   2.   These small kingdoms were incapable of standing up to any foreign aggression.

   3.   Delhi has lost its glory under Ibrahim Lodi. His personal officials opposed him and invited Babur to Invade India.

   4.   The situation in Gujarat, Punjab, Bengal, Malwa, Rajputana Kashmir, etc... was quite bad. There was widespread lawlessness and disorder.

   5.   The local rulers were unpopular among the masses.

Q.4 State the main features of Jahangir’s rule.

A4. The main features of Jahangir’s rule are:-

   1.   Akbar was succeeded by his son Muhammad Sultan Salim. He ascended the throne in 1605 at the fort of Agra and assumed the name Jahangir.

   2.   Jahangir consolidated his territories and developed the administrative system that was introduced by his father.

   3.   The court culture of the Mughals flourished under his rule.

   4.   Mughal painting reached its zenith during his time.

   5.   Jahangir re-started the war with Rajputs

E: Answer the following questions-

Q.1 List the difficulties faced by Humayun after coming to the throne?

A1. The difficulties faced by Humayun after coming to the throne were:-

   1.   Babur had gifted separate provinces to his other three sons.

   2.   The army was a combination of people from different country and language groups.

   3.   Humayun had inherited an empty treasury.

   4.   He was addicted to opium.

  5.   He lacked military ability.

  6.   He had to face opposition from his brothers, relatives, afghans and Rajputs

Q.2 Compare the religious policy of Akbar with that of Aurangzeb.

A2.

Religious policy of Akbar

Akbar started Din-I-Ilahi in 1582 by blending the good points of all religions like Hinduism, Christianity, Jainism and other faiths, with Islam. Din-I-Ilahi was not a religion but a socio-religious path to bridge the differences among different communities.

Religious policy of Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb was a Muslim fanatic and opposed religious tolerance. He was a staunch muslim and forced hindus to adopt Islam. He imposed jazia on Hindus. He discontinued the practice of inscribing the Kalima on the coins and abolished the celebration of the New Year day (Nauroz).

Q.3 Describe Shah Jahan’s Deccan policy?

A3. Shah Jahan’s Deccan policies are:-

   1.   Under Shah Jahan, the Deccan policy of the Mughals entered a new phase.

   2.    He annexed Ahmadnagar and Daulatabad.

   3.   He forced the rulers of Bijapur and Golconda to accept his supremacy.

   4.   In 1636, Shah Jahan retired to Agra and appointed Aurangzeb as the governor of Deccan.

Q4. Describe the uniform system of administration established by the Mughals.

A4.  Mughal’s administration:

   1.   They established a uniform administration which was a combination of both Indian and Persian systems.

   2.   They believed in the supreme authority of the king. A strong army and efficient ministers assisted the emperor.

   3.   The whole empire was divided into subas(provinces), which were governed by subedars(governors).

   4.   The diwan was the collector of land revenue. The kotwal looked after the law and order in the city.

  5.   Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system based on rank and position in the official hierarchy. The mansabdars were responsible for both civil and military administration.

Q5. List any five factors responsible for the decline of the Mughal Empire.

A5. The five factors responsible for the decline of the Mughal empire are:-

   1.   The religious intolerance of Aurangzeb turned the Rajputs against him, who had always supported the Mughal Empire. Same was the condition of the Sikhs and Marathas.

   2.   The Mughals do not have any rule of succession and hence the death of each ruler resulted in bloody wars and conspiracies of nobles.

   3.   Weak and inefficient successors of Aurangzeb provided an open invitation for internal rebels and foreign invasions.

  4.   Corrupt officials and heavy burden of land revenue resulted in revolts by peasants leading to low tax collection.

  5.   Aurangzeb remained in Deccan for almost 20 years, which gave an opportunity to governors to establish independent states.