History & Civics Q&A - Chapters 1 to 5
Chapter 1: Moving Forward from the Stone Age
What does he say about the kind of tools that were used by humans to protect themselves from wild animals?
Primitive humans initially had no special weapons and could only throw stones at their enemies. Later, they began to make tools out of stone, such as axes, spears, and fine stone needles.
What could be the purposes for which humans in that period used such tools?
The tools developed during that period were used for protecting themselves from animals and for hunting.
Based on the method used to make stone tools, the stone age is divided into three: Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic. Let's look at the features of each of these.
- Palaeolithic Age: Use of rough (unpolished) stone tools. Derived from Greek 'palaeos' (old) and 'lithos' (stone).
- Mesolithic Age: Use of microliths (very small stone tools).
- Neolithic Age: Use of polished stone tools, agriculture, and domestication of animals.
Observe them and list out the features of these tools. (Referring to images of various stone tools)
The tools included Pebble tools, Biface core tools, Flake tools, Chopper-Chopping tools, and stone tools made using blade technique. Some tools were made from the core of a broken stone, while others were made from the smaller flakes. Towards the end of the Palaeolithic period, humans also used tools made of bones in addition to stone tools.
Do the tools in the picture resemble any tool that you are familiar with? If yes, which are they?
The source prompts the reader for personal reflection and comparison with familiar tools, rather than providing a direct answer from the text.
What do you understand from these pictures?
It is clear from the pictures that various communication and sculptures were employed during the late Palaeolithic period. These artistic creations, such as the depiction of an animal and a woman (Cussac Cave), the Venus Ivory Sculpture (Lascaux, France, Chauvet, France), and carvings on bones (La Garma Cave, Spain), are considered evidence of the intellectual and technical skill attained by primitive humans.
Note down the features of the Palaeolithic centres mentioned on the world map. (Lascaux cave, Cussac Cave, La Garma cave, Chauvet cave)
The source provides the names of the centres and mentions that they contain artistic creations, but it does not detail specific features for each centre in the text.
What are the changes in the Neolithic Age mentioned in this description? (Referring to Gordon Childe’s 'Man Makes Himself')
Gordon Childe’s book 'Man Makes Himself' refers to two important changes that transformed human life in the Neolithic Age. These changes were attributed to a change in human interaction with their surroundings, which led to new ways of living.
List the differences between Palaeolithic and Mesolithic human life.
Palaeolithic Age:
- Used rough (unpolished) stone tools.
- Lived in caves and open spaces.
- Hunting and gathering were the primary means of livelihood.
- Society was organised into bands (small groups of fewer than a hundred members bound by blood relation).
- Men engaged in hunting and women in gathering.
- Food was not stored.
- A nomadic life prevailed.
- Used microliths (very small stone tools).
- Hunting and gathering continued as means of livelihood, with indications of domestication of animals emerging.
- Development of human communication, particularly in India, is prominent during this age.
- Showed amusements and division of labour based on gender.
Observe the map. You can see the area marked in the shape of a crescent. Based on available evidence, archaeologists say that agriculture began in this area. This region is known as the ‘Fertile Crescent.’ Can you identify the countries in this region?
The source asks the reader to identify the countries on the map, but it does not explicitly list the countries forming the 'Fertile Crescent' in the provided text.
Let us see the factors that led humans to begin agriculture and domestication of animals.
- Population growth
- An increase in the number of human settlements
- Complex social organisation
- Shortage of food products
- Change in technology
Observe the pictures given below and list out their features. (Referring to images of polished tools)
The tools of this period were polished tools. These tools helped humans to cultivate the land, till the soil, and cut down trees, which marked the beginning of significant changes in human life.
Present the information given above on Neolithic changes in the form of a flowchart.
- Agriculture and domestication of animals ensured a steady availability of food products.
- This led to the establishment of permanent settlements and agrarian villages.
- The introduction of pottery and the use of bricks made of clay enabled the storage of grains.
- Surplus production in agriculture allowed a section of society to become free from agrarian activities and engage in other occupations such as pottery making, weaving, leading to social divisions.
Find out the countries in which Neolithic sites are located. (Jericho, Jarmo, Ali Kosh, Mehrgarh)
- Jericho: Located in the region of West Asia (present-day Palestine/Israel)
- Jarmo: Located in the Kurdish Hills of Iraq
- Ali Kosh: Located in Iran
- Mehrgarh: Located in modern-day Pakistan
What are the advantages of copper tools over stone tools?
The advantages of copper tools over stone tools were that they could be changed into suitable shape and form and they possessed durability.
List out the Bronze Age civilisations.
The source explicitly mentions the Harappan civilization in India as belonging to the Bronze Age.
Chapter 2: Ideas and Early States
How did the development of an agricultural economy set the stage for the rise of new ideas in the 6th century BCE? Discuss.
By the 6th century BCE, a socio-economic system based on agriculture and cattle had emerged in the Ganga basin. This system was not in harmony with Vedic practices that gave importance to rituals involving animal sacrifice, which adversely affected the cattle needed for agriculture and transport. This prompted people to think against the Vedic rituals. Additionally, the Vaishyas, who achieved material progress through trade, desired a higher social status. The emergence of wealthy Gahapathis (engaged in trade and owning property) outside the existing Varna system further contributed to the social environment for new ideological concepts like Jainism and Buddhism, which gained their support.
Important events in the life of Buddha are given below. Prepare a biography based on this. Collect more information from the school library.
- Original name: Siddhartha
- Born in Lumbini (Kapilavastu) in Nepal
- Attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar
- Gave his first sermon at Sarnath
- Attained Nirvana at Kushinara
What does the word ‘Palli' suggest in relation to place names? Find out.
The source indicates that the word 'Palli' in place names suggests a Buddhist influence, but it asks the reader to find out the specific meaning it suggests.
Do you think the activities of Buddhist monastic organisations were democratic? Evaluate.
Yes, the activities of Buddhist monastic organisations (Sanghas) were indeed democratic. This is evident because all people were admitted to the Sangha regardless of caste and gender. Furthermore, decisions within the Sangha were made through discussions and the opinion of the majority. Buddha himself taught that once a person joined the Buddhist Sangha, they lost their individual name, caste, rank, and family identity, becoming unified like rivers merging into the ocean.
Why are they called materialists? (Referring to Ajita Kesakambalin's philosophy)
The followers of Ajita Kesakambalin are called materialists because they opined that all religious practices are meaningless. They believed that neither this world (Ihaloka) nor the other world (Paraloka) exists. Their core belief was that humans are composed of four elements, and upon death, these elements simply dissolve back into the earth, water, fire, and air.
What can we learn from this about the administrative system of Vajji at that time? (Referring to Digha Nikaya excerpt about Vajji)
From the Digha Nikaya, we learn that Vajji’s administrative system was based on collective decision-making through discussions. The people of Vajji were expected to work together and respect, support, and carefully listen to their elders. It also highlights that women lived freely, places of worship existed in both villages and cities, and people of different faiths could move about freely and were respected. These cooperative and respectful principles were considered essential for Vajji's continued existence.
Find out and list 16 Mahajanapadas from the map given below. (Map 1)
- Kamboja
- Gandhara
- Kuru
- Panchala
- Matsya
- Surasena
- Kashi
- Kosala
- Malla
- Vajji
- Magadha
- Anga
- Vatsa
- Chedi
- Avanti
- Asmaka
What did you learn from this description in the Buddhist work Digha Nikaya? (Referring to Buddha's conversation with Ananda about Kushinara vs. bigger cities for Nirvana)
From this description, it is understood that major cities like Champa, Rajagriha, Shravasti, Saketa, Kausambi, or Varanasi were considered significant and developed urban centres in the 6th century BCE, unlike places such as Kushinara which were described as having "mud huts in a forest". This indicates the distinction between developed cities and less significant settlements during that period.
Identify the present Indian state to which Magadha belonged.
Based on its location shown on the map, Magadha was situated in the region corresponding to present-day Bihar.
Do you think that the geographical features were the main reason for the growth of Magadha? Why?
Yes, geographical features were a main reason for the growth of Magadha. Magadha was a fertile region with good rainfall, which supported agriculture. It had large deposits of iron ore, ensuring a ready supply of iron for tools and weapons. The presence of large numbers of elephants in its forests provided a significant military advantage. Furthermore, the Ganga and its tributaries facilitated easy transportation of goods.
What do you understand about the Maurya kingdom from this inscription? (Rumindei (Lumbini) Inscription)
From the Rumindei Inscription, it is understood that Emperor Asoka visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha Shakyamuni, twenty years after his coronation and worshipped there in person. He ordered the erection of a stupa surrounded by a granite wall to signify the great person's birthplace. The inscription also records that the people of Lumbini were exempted from the ‘bali’ tax and required to pay only one-eighth part of the harvest as ‘bhaga’, indicating a policy of tax relief.
Find the capitals of the provinces from Map 2 and complete the table.
- State Capital: Pataliputra
- Northern province: Takshashila
- Western province: Ujjayini
- Southern province: Suvarnagiri
- Eastern province: Tosali (Kalinga)
What features of the present Indian administrative system can be seen in the Mauryan administrative system? Discuss and compare.
- Division into provinces: The Maurya kingdom was divided into various provinces for administrative convenience, each under a governor, similar to how modern India is divided into states.
- Centralised control over capital: Pataliputra, the capital, was under the direct control of the Emperor, akin to the central government's direct control over national capitals today.
- Taxation system: The system of collecting taxes like 'Bali' and 'Bhaga' from various economic activities (grains, cattle, forest produce, artisans) reflects the foundational concept of a structured taxation system.
- Administrative officials: The existence of officials like Senani, Purohita, and Gramani assisting the king can be compared to modern-day ministers and local administrators who assist the head of government.
- Military organisation: The presence of a vast military with different divisions (infantry, cavalry, chariots, elephants, navy) managed by a committee is analogous to modern defense establishments.
- Emphasis on welfare and ethical governance: Asoka Dhamma promoted principles such as tolerance towards other religions, respect for elders, kindness to slaves and the sick. These ideals reflect the modern state's commitment to social justice, human rights, and the welfare of its citizens.
Observe the map and find out the regions through which trade was conducted. (Map 3)
Based on Map 3, trade was conducted through regions including: Takshashila (Northwest), Ujjayini (West-Central), Suvarnagiri (South), Broach (West Coast), Pataliputra (East-Central), Thamralipti (East Coast).
Compare the Mahajanapadas of India and the city-states of Greece.
Mahajanapadas (India):
- Evolved from tribal communities ('Jana') settling permanently due to widespread agriculture.
- Growth in agricultural surplus led to the development of trade and towns.
- Required regulations for diverse economic activities, leading to the dissolution of tribal governance and the emergence of states with kings and standing armies.
- Characterised by formal administrative systems including tax collection, royal advisors, fortified capitals, and military structures.
- Some, like Magadha, grew into large empires.
- Formed when villages united for security and governance, comprising a city and its surrounding agricultural areas.
- Often naturally bounded by hills, mountains, or were islands.
- Capitals were frequently located on high hills.
- Examples include Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes.
- In Athens, a unique system of democracy prevailed where male citizens over 30 (excluding slaves) directly participated in decision-making.
- Athens was a prominent trade centre in the Mediterranean, attracting thinkers and new ideas.
How did the Athenian system of government differ from modern democracy?
The Athenian system of government differed significantly from modern democracy in key aspects:
- Limited Citizenship: In Athens, only males over the age of 30, excluding slaves, were considered citizens with political rights.
- Exclusion of Groups: Women, artisans, and foreigners (traders) were not considered citizens and were therefore excluded from participating in decision-making.
- Direct Participation: Citizens formed a committee and met directly to take decisions, reflecting a form of direct democracy. Modern democracy, by contrast, generally adheres to universal adult suffrage, granting voting rights to all adult citizens regardless of gender, occupation, or social status. It is also predominantly a representative democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Chapter 3: Land Grants and the Indian Society
What is the purpose of land grants by the king?
Land grants were issued by the king to attain victory, longevity, welfare, and peace in this world and the afterlife. Initially, the practice also started with the purpose of pleasing the Brahmins who held a dominant position in society.
When did the practice of land grants start? Why?
Mentions of land grants exist in Buddhist works, but the practice became widespread only during the post-Mauryan period. The Satavahanas in the Deccan region were among the first to widely adopt this system, specifically to please the Brahmins. It gained further prominence and became widespread under the Guptas by the 5th century CE.
Were such grants common?
Yes, the practice of land grants became widespread during the post-Mauryan period and further intensified under the Guptas.
Identify the dynasties from the map. (Map 1)
- Kushanas
- Guptas
- Vakatakas
- Shakas
- Satavahanas
- Cholas
- Cheras
- Pandyas
Let’s look at the changes brought about by the land grants during the Gupta period.
- The king’s authority over the donated land gradually declined.
- The right to collect taxes and administer justice over the donated land was transferred along with its ownership.
- Those who received land grants also acquired the right to re-grant the land to others.
- Kings and nobles began to give land grants as remuneration for services received, instead of cash.
- While Brahmins were primary recipients, other sections of society also began receiving land grants.
- A powerful section of landlords emerged in society.
- Farmers, agricultural labourers, and slaves became rightless dependents bound to the land, working their entire lives for their masters and providing free services and taxes to the upper stratum. This system was termed ‘Indian Feudalism’.
- Despite these social changes, there was a remarkable improvement in the agriculture sector.
Find out the arts and crafts of the period from the information and complete the table.
- Jewellery made of gold, silver and precious stones: Gold and silver smithing, gem cutting, jewellery making
- Glassware: Glassmaking
- Silk, cotton textiles: Textile manufacturing, weaving
- Sculptures in ivory: Ivory carving, sculpture
Discuss the characteristics of the Samantha System that came into existence during the Gupta period.
- The Guptas allowed rulers of conquered territories to continue as ‘Samanthas’, providing them autonomy in their areas and not interfering in their administration or succession.
- This arrangement meant that these local rulers acted as subordinates, acknowledging the Gupta kingdom's suzerainty.
- Within this broader system, the land grant practice led to the emergence of a powerful landlord class.
- Under this system, farmers, agricultural labourers, and slaves became tied to the land, working for these landlords and providing services and taxes, defining the 'Indian Feudalism'.
Some important cities of the Gupta period. Find out in which present Indian states are the Gupta cities marked in the above map, located. (Map 2)
- Kanauj: Present-day Uttar Pradesh
- Shravasti: Present-day Uttar Pradesh
- Kausambi: Present-day Uttar Pradesh
- Ujjayini: Present-day Madhya Pradesh
- Mathura: Present-day Uttar Pradesh
- Vaishali: Present-day Bihar
What do you understand from this text about the powers of the king during the Gupta period? (Referring to the Allahabad Prasasti excerpt about Samudragupta)
The text from the Allahabad Prasasti suggests that the Gupta king (Samudragupta) was considered to be immensely powerful, with "no equal rival on the face of the Earth". He was even equated to powerful deities such as Kubera, Varuna, Indra, and Anthaka, indicating a belief in the divine nature and absolute authority of the king during this period.
List out the features of architecture during the Gupta period by observing the following pictures. (Pictures of Dasavatara Temple, Vishnu Temple of Tigawa)
The features of architecture during the Gupta period included the construction of temples using stone and bricks. This period saw the development of structural temples and the incorporation of sculptures within them.
List out the achievements in science during the Gupta period.
During the Gupta period, significant achievements were made in science, particularly in:
- Astronomy
- Mathematics
- Medical Science
Discuss the economic changes brought about by the spread of the land grant system to South India.
The spread of the land grant system to South India by the 6th century CE, largely due to the migration of Brahmins, brought about several economic changes:
- It led to the development of agriculture in these areas.
- The Brahmins' knowledge of agricultural technology and climate helped expand agriculture significantly.
- Kings and local administrative bodies actively encouraged agriculture by building reservoirs and maintaining irrigation facilities.
- Temples, controlled by Brahmins, played a role in the development of agriculture, crafts, and the growth of internal trade.
- Surplus agricultural production led to the growth of internal trade.
- Merchant guilds, known as ‘Vanika’ communities in South India, emerged, specializing in the trade of particular products.
- Busy ports like Mahabalipuram, Korkai, and Arikamedu facilitated foreign trade with Chinese and Arab merchants.
Chapter 4: Distribution of Power in Indian Constitution
Which ideas put forward by the National Movement were included in the Objective Resolution?
The Objective Resolution, presented by Jawaharlal Nehru, included several key ideas from the National Movement:
- To make India an independent sovereign republic
- To form a union of former British Indian territories, Indian states, and other parts willing to join
- The territories forming the Union of India would be autonomous units with powers not vested in the Central Government
- All powers of independent sovereign India would emanate from the people
- To ensure and protect for all people of India: social, economic, and political justice; equality of status; equality of opportunity; equality before the law; and fundamental freedoms of speech, expression, belief, worship, profession, association, and assembly, subject to law and public morality
Identify the ideas presented in the Objective Resolution that were included in the Preamble of the Constitution of India and compare them.
The source explicitly states that various ideas from the Objective Resolution are included in the Preamble of the Constitution. These include the commitment to establish India as an independent sovereign republic, the principle that all powers emanate from the people, and the assurance of justice (social, economic, political), liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship), equality (of status and opportunity), and fraternity for all citizens. The Preamble essentially encapsulates the core aspirations for a democratic, just, and egalitarian society outlined in the Resolution.
How many parts and schedules are there in the constitution at present? Find out.
The source states that when the Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949, it had 395 articles and 8 schedules in 22 parts. It notes that the Constitution continues to be a living document incorporating changes, but does not provide the current number of parts and schedules.
Find and list the reasons why India adopted the federal system based on the above seminar paper.
India adopted the federal system for the following reasons:
- To strengthen democracy through power sharing between the Centre and the States
- To help in maintaining the diversity and unity of the country equally
- To be useful in effectively countering separatist tendencies by ensuring regional representation
- To enable economic progress and ensure the welfare of all sections by integrating various levels of government
- To make the concept of democracy more meaningful through shared power
- To accommodate the social, regional, and geographical diversity of India and to preserve the unity and integrity of the country
Note which list these topics belong to. (Referring to news headlines: New train allowed to run, Kerala Jail Rules were revised, Revising the structure of undergraduate courses, National Forest Policy announced, New Police Policy announced, India signs diplomatic agreement with Sri Lanka.)
- New train allowed to run: Union List (Railways)
- Kerala Jail Rules were revised: State List (Jails)
- Revising the structure of undergraduate courses: Concurrent List (Education)
- National Forest Policy announced: Concurrent List (Forestry)
- New Police Policy announced: State List (Police)
- India signs diplomatic agreement with Sri Lanka: Union List (Foreign Affairs)
Didn't you understand the features of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha? Complete the table below.
Lok Sabha:
- Known as the Lower House of the Parliament
- Members are elected directly by the people through a majority system
- Eligibility to contest: Indian citizens who have completed 25 years of age
- Term: 5 years
- Maximum strength: 550 members (543 as of 2023)
- The formation and existence of governments depend on the majority in the Lok Sabha
- Chaired by the Speaker
- Possesses more powers than the Rajya Sabha, especially in matters related to money bills, which are initially presented here
- Known as the Upper House of the Parliament
- Provides representation to the states in proportion to their population
- Members are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies
- Eligibility to contest: Indian citizens who have completed 30 years of age
- It is a permanent house and cannot be dissolved
- Term for members: 6 years
- One-third of its members retire every two years
- Chaired by the Vice President
- Maximum strength: 250 members (238 elected, 12 nominated by the President)
- Proceedings to remove the Vice President originate in the Rajya Sabha
- Vested with the power to mandate Parliament to create new All India Services
How many Lok Sabha constituencies are there in Kerala? Find out their names.
The source instructs the reader to find this information externally, as it is not provided within the text.
Read the news headlines above. Discuss the need for constitutional amendment. (News headlines: GST, Education as Fundamental Right, Voting age to 18)
The news headlines demonstrate the vital need for constitutional amendment to enable the Constitution to adapt to evolving socio-political needs over time. Amendments allow the Constitution to remain a "living document" by incorporating significant changes, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), making education a fundamental right, or changing the voting age, thereby reflecting societal progress and policy shifts.
We are familiar with the three types of amendments to the Constitution of India. Now, complete the following list.
- Renaming of the states: Flexible Amendment (amended by Parliament with simple majority)
- 86th Constitutional Amendment: More Rigid Amendment (requires special majority of both houses, as it pertains to Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles)
- Amendment in the Concurrent List: More Rigid Amendment (requires special majority of both houses, as it relates to the division of powers between Centre and State)
Read the given statements and put ( ) against the true ones and ( ) the false ones.
- The head of the Executive is the Prime Minister. (False - Constitutionally, the President is the head, but the Prime Minister is the real executive)
- The President has discretionary powers. (True)
- The head of the cabinet is the Prime Minister. (True)
- The Prime Minister is the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces. (False - The President is)
- Governors are appointed by the President. (True)
- The President submits his resignation to the Prime Minister. (False - The President submits resignation to the Vice President)
- The Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor. (False - The Prime Minister is appointed by the President)
What are the main duties of the Council of Ministers?
The main duties of the Council of Ministers include:
- Formulation of national and foreign policies
- Steering the legislative process
- Performing other administrative and welfare functions
- Developing and maintaining foreign relations
- Administration of the country
- Drafting bills and ordinances
- Coordinating the activities of various departments
Chapter 5: Demographic Trends in India
What problems arise when the population increases?
When the population increases, problems such as poverty, unemployment, and starvation arise. It also leads to a far-reaching crisis in the health sector and quality of life, impacting the country's socio-economic progress and sustainable development.
When was the census started in India? When was the last census conducted in India?
The source states that the census in India is usually conducted once every ten years. While it references data from the 2011 Census, it does not explicitly state when the first census began or when the most recent census was conducted.
Prepare a note on population growth in India by observing the given table and graph.
India's population experienced significant growth from 1901 to 2011. While there was a slight decline between 1911 and 1921, indicating higher mortality rates, the population showed continuous and accelerating growth from 1931 onwards. By 2011, the total population reached 1210 million (1.21 billion), marking a substantial increase from 238 million in 1901. This rapid expansion highlights a significant demographic shift over the 20th and early 21st centuries.
Guest workers have become a part of the Kerala society today. Today, there are guest workers in every sector irrespective of urban or rural area. What might be the reasons for their migration in search of employment?
The reasons for migration in search of employment include the pursuit of better income and high social status.
Different types of migration are given below. Identify which migration they are and add more examples to the list.
- Malayalees working in foreign countries: International Migration (migration across country borders)
- North Indian workers working in the construction sector in Kerala: Internal Migration (migration within a country's border)
- Students going abroad for higher studies: International Migration
Where do we register births and deaths in rural areas? Where do we register births and deaths in urban areas?
The source states that in most countries, including India, it is mandatory to register births and deaths on time with the relevant agencies, but it does not specify different agencies for rural versus urban areas.
Examine the 2011 Census report and identify the states with the highest population and population density, and the states with the lowest. - Prepare the chart and display it in the class.
According to the 2011 census, Delhi has the highest population density, while Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest. The source prompts the reader to externally research the states with the highest and lowest overall population.
Prepare a note discussing how epidemics, famines, and climate change affect mortality rates.
The source refers to "lack of proper health care, diseases and other factors" contributing to lower average life expectancy in the past and asks the reader to prepare a note on these factors, but does not provide specific details on how epidemics, famines, and climate change affect mortality rates.
Find out the birth and death rate in India and Kerala based on the 2011 census report and write it in your notebook.
The source provides a table for birth and death rates in India from 1901-2001, but does not provide the specific rates for India or Kerala for the 2011 census year. It asks the reader to find this information externally.
Why do some Indian states have a higher population growth and some have lower?
The source indicates that the socio-economic factors of an area influence its population density. It also lists climate, topography, availability of water, and types of soil as general factors influencing population. While these factors can contribute to differential growth rates, the source does not specifically elaborate on why some Indian states have higher versus lower growth based on these points.
Observe the table, discuss and make notes on the trends in Male - Female Sex Ratio and Child Sex Ratio in India. Compare the Male - Female ratio and Child Sex Ratio of Kerala.
Male-Female Sex Ratio in India (per 1000 males): The ratio fluctuated slightly between 1961 (941) and 2001 (933), experiencing a dip to 927 in 1991. By 2011, it slightly increased to 940.
Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) in India (per 1000 males): This ratio has shown a concerning and consistent decline from 960 in 1961 to 914 in 2011.
Comparison with Kerala: The source does not provide a table for Kerala's sex ratios for direct comparison. However, it notes that Kerala has a significantly higher life expectancy for both males (72.3) and females (78.0) during 2015-19, compared to the all-India average (68.4 for males, 71.1 for females), suggesting generally better health and social indicators.
Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) in India (per 1000 males): This ratio has shown a concerning and consistent decline from 960 in 1961 to 914 in 2011.
Comparison with Kerala: The source does not provide a table for Kerala's sex ratios for direct comparison. However, it notes that Kerala has a significantly higher life expectancy for both males (72.3) and females (78.0) during 2015-19, compared to the all-India average (68.4 for males, 71.1 for females), suggesting generally better health and social indicators.
What might be the social problems created by the decreasing male-female ratio?
While the source asks the reader to identify social problems, it implicitly suggests issues related to gender inequality and the need for girls' rights and welfare through the NITI Aayog recommendations. These problems could include:
- Gender imbalance in society.
- Potential for increased violence or crimes against women.
- Challenges in marriage and family formation.
- Reinforcement of gender discrimination and preferential attitude towards boys.
- Inadequate healthcare and education for girls.
What is the male-female ratio in India and Kerala as per the 2011 census?
- India Male-Female Ratio (2011): 940 females per 1000 males
- India Child Sex Ratio (2011): 914 females per 1000 males
- The source does not explicitly state the male-female ratio for Kerala for the 2011 census.
Prepare a brief note on these and present it in the class. (Referring to Pakal Veedu, Sandhya Jyothi, Prasanthi for old age people)
The source mentions that the Kerala state government formulated the 'State Old Age Policy' in 2013 to ensure the welfare and protection of the elderly, given the increasing number of people above 60 years. Various programmes like Pakal Veedu, Sandhya Jyothi, etc., and the 14567 Helpline number for the old age have been implemented to address the challenges faced by the elderly population. The source prompts the reader to prepare a note on these but does not provide specific details about each program.
Which age group has the largest population? Which age group has the lowest population? (Referring to the table: 0-14, 15-59, 60 and above)
- The largest population is in the 15-59 age group (63%)
- The lowest population is in the 60 years and above age group (8%)
Discuss and prepare a note on what should be taken care of for the proper utilisation of demographic dividend.
For the proper utilisation of demographic dividend (when the employable population is more than the unemployed), several factors should be considered:
- Emphasis on education and healthcare for the youth is crucial
- Human resource development is essential for the country's sustainable development
- While focusing on the youth, the protection and welfare of dependents (children and the elderly) should also be ensured
- The country must aim to utilise the full range of knowledge and skills of each individual to achieve personal, social, and economic well-being
- Sustainable development necessitates that India's population growth, available resources, and environmental capacity are balanced to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising future generations
Make notes on social characteristics of demography.
Social demography is a branch of demography that focuses on the social characteristics of population structure and change. It investigates their causes and consequences and emphasizes the socio-economic and political patterns of a region. It studies how population structure and change interacts with various sociological factors such as region, religion, caste, and gender. Social factors influencing demography include culture, flexibility, religion, social control, and community financial aspects. It views demography as a socialisation process.
Collect the statistics of migration from India to other countries and display it on a chart.
The source instructs the reader to collect this information externally.