ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Sample Paper 2026 with Solutions

PART I (30 Marks)
Attempt all questions from this Part

Question 1
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options.
(Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.) [16 Marks]

(i) Identify the exclusive powers of the Rajya Sabha. [1 Mark]
P: Can introduce a new All India Service
Q: Can impeach the President
R: Can never be dissolved as a whole
S: Can introduce a Money Bill
(a) P and Q
(b) R and S
(c) P and R
(d) Q and S

Answer: (c) P and R

Rajya Sabha has exclusive power under Article 312 to create a new All India Service and it is a permanent body not subject to dissolution.

Teacher's Note:
a) Remember that Money Bills and impeachment of the President are associated with the Lok Sabha and both houses respectively, making P and R the correct exclusive traits of the Upper House.
b) Students often confuse the continuous nature of the Rajya Sabha with general parliamentary privileges.

(ii) Who made the amendment which resulted in the headline given below? [1 Mark]
[Figure: A newspaper clipping of The Times of India with the headline "KASHMIR IS NOW UNION'S TERRITORY" and sub-headlines about revoking special status under Article 370]
(a) The Supreme Court
(b) The President
(c) The Parliament
(d) The Prime Minister

Answer: (c) The Parliament

Constitutional amendments and statutory reorganisations are enacted by the Parliament of India.

Teacher's Note:
a) Changes to state boundaries and special constitutional provisions require parliamentary legislation.
b) Do not confuse executive announcements with the actual legislative authority executing the amendment.

(iii) Given below are details of few Indian citizens: [1 Mark]

Select the person who fulfils the eligibility criteria to become the President of India.
(a) W
(b) X
(c) Y
(d) Z

Answer: (d) Z

The candidate must be a citizen of India, must have completed 35 years of age, and be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha. Z is 36 and an Indian citizen.

Teacher's Note:
a) Check the minimum age requirement of 35 years and Indian citizenship carefully.
b) Person X holds foreign citizenship and is ineligible, while W and Y do not meet the age criterion.

(iv) Observe the given picture. In case of a similar unruly situation in the Lok Sabha, choose the action that may be taken by the Speaker. [1 Mark]
[Figure: Cartoon showing chaotic members arguing aggressively around a calm central figure while the Speaker points to maintain order]
(a) Adjourn the house for lack of quorum.
(b) Dissolve the Lok Sabha.
(c) Adjourn the house for lack of discipline.
(d) Disqualify the members under Anti-defection law.

Answer: (c) adjourn the house for lack of discipline.

The Speaker is empowered to suspend proceedings or adjourn the House when grave disorder or indiscipline occurs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Maintaining order in the House is the primary responsibility of the presiding officer.
b) Quorum issues relate to insufficient attendance, not unruly behavior.

(v) Choose the correct option to replace the underlined word: [1 Mark]
The Union ministers are collectively responsible to the Prime Minister.
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) Rajya Sabha
(c) President
(d) Speaker

Answer: (a) Lok Sabha

According to Article 75(3) of the Constitution, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

Teacher's Note:
a) Collective responsibility means the ministers sink or swim together before the popular house.
b) Students frequently confuse ministerial responsibility to the legislature with appointment by the President.

(vi) Residents of Jodhpur, X and Y got married in the year 2014 and after 4 months of wedlock, petty family issues and arguments resulted in their separation for 6 years. The matter was placed before the Bench of Lok Adalat Family Court, Jodhpur wherein all efforts were made to reunite the family again. With constant efforts of counselling, parties agreed to live together and withdraw their Divorce Petition. [1 Mark]
Case Study, Lok Adalat, District - Jodhpur
Which advantage of the Lok Adalat is highlighted in the above case?
(a) Saves money
(b) Speedy justice
(c) Works on the spirit of compromise
(d) Reduces the burden on High Courts

Answer: (c) Works on the spirit of compromise

The case highlights counselling and mutual agreement between parties to reconcile, demonstrating the compromising nature of Lok Adalats.

Teacher's Note:
a) Lok Adalats focus on amicable settlement and reconciliation rather than strict adversarial adjudication.
b) Read the specific scenario carefully to identify whether financial savings or emotional compromise is emphasized.

(vii) Assertion (A): The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885. [1 Mark]
Reason (R): The main aim of the Indian National Congress at its inception was to demand complete independence for India.
(a) (A) is true and (R) is false.
(b) (A) is false and (R) is true.
(c) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Answer: (a) (A) is true and (R) is false.

The INC was founded in 1885, but its early aims were focused on administrative reforms and cooperation with the British, not complete independence (Purna Swaraj).

Teacher's Note:
a) Early Nationalists demanded reforms within the British framework, while complete independence was declared much later in 1929.
b) Always evaluate the historical timeline of nationalist demands.

(viii) Identify the option which shows the correct chronology of the following events: [1 Mark]
1. The Dandi March
2. The Second Round Table Conference
3. The Simon Commission
(a) 3-1-2
(b) 1-3-2
(c) 3-2-1
(d) 2-1-3

Answer: (a) 3-1-2

Simon Commission arrived in 1928, Dandi March took place in March 1930, and the Second Round Table Conference was held in late 1931.

Teacher's Note:
a) Chronological ordering requires recalling exact historical years and months.
b) Simon Commission (1928) preceded the Civil Disobedience movement and Dandi March (1930).

(ix) The area in which Anand stays has had no water supply for three days in spite of repeated complaints. The residents have a meeting and discuss a few methods to resolve this problem. Being a follower of the beliefs and methods of the Early Nationalists, which of the following methods is Anand NOT LIKELY to approve? [1 Mark]
(a) Peaceful procession by the residents
(b) Follow the method of boycott
(c) Write a petition to the government
(d) Write an article in the newspaper highlighting the problem

Answer: (b) Follow the method of boycott

Boycott was a radical tool adopted by Assertive Nationalists, whereas Early Nationalists relied on prayers, petitions, and peaceful appeals.

Teacher's Note:
a) Early Nationalists had firm faith in constitutional and peaceful methods.
b) Boycott and Swadeshi were aggressive weapons of the Assertive Nationalists.

(x) Identify the cities most affected by American action in World War II. [1 Mark]
(a) Rome, Berlin
(b) Tokyo, Berlin
(c) Hiroshima, Nagasaki
(d) Tokyo, Rome

Answer: (c) Hiroshima, Nagasaki

The United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

Teacher's Note:
a) This military action marked the end of the Second World War in the Asian theatre.
b) Memorize key geographical sites associated with major historical turning points.

(xi) Which repressive policy of Lord Lytton is depicted in the picture given? [1 Mark]
[Figure: A printing press machine wrapped tightly with bandages and a cloth gag over its front roll, symbolizing censorship]
(a) Organising the Grand Delhi
(b) The Arms Act
(c) Reduction of the maximum age of Civil Service Examination
(d) The Vernacular Press Act

Answer: (d) The Vernacular Press Act

The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 muzzled the native press, preventing criticism of British policies, perfectly depicted by the gagged printing press.

Teacher's Note:
a) Visual symbols like a gagged press directly represent restrictions on freedom of speech and the Vernacular Press Act.
b) Associate Lord Lytton's repressive measures with their specific visual or textual descriptions.

(xii) Identify the odd one out of the following Assertive Nationalists Leaders. [1 Mark]
(a) Bipin Chandra Pal
(b) Dadabhai Naoroji
(c) Lala Lajpat Rai
(d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Answer: (b) Dadabhai Naoroji

Dadabhai Naoroji was a prominent Early Nationalist (Moderate), while the other three were famous Assertive Nationalist leaders (Lal-Bal-Pal).

Teacher's Note:
a) Categorization of leaders into Early and Assertive Nationalists is a fundamental ICSE topic.
b) Remember the trio Lal-Bal-Pal along with Aurobindo Ghosh as key Assertive leaders.

(xiii) Read the description and choose the correct option - This was a significant event in Indian history. Many underlying causes of the revolt included economic exploitation, social reforms, and political annexations by the British. Even in its failure it ignited nationalism in the people of India. Its immediate cause was ___________. [1 Mark]
(a) introduction of the Doctrine of Lapse
(b) annexation of Indian states by the British
(c) use of greased cartridges in Enfield rifles
(d) establishment of English as the medium of instruction

Answer: (c) Use of greased cartridges in Enfield rifles

The immediate spark that enraged soldiers during the Revolt of 1857 was the introduction of the Enfield rifle cartridges greased with animal fat.

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish between underlying/long-term causes and the immediate trigger of the Revolt of 1857.
b) Religious sentiments of Hindu and Muslim sepoys were directly hurt by the greased cartridges.

(xiv) Which of the following countries will NOT be part of this cartoon? [1 Mark]
[Figure: Cartoon showing five figures at a curved table with placards reading VETO, representing the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council]
(a) China
(b) Japan
(c) Russia
(d) Britain

Answer: (b) Japan

China, Russia, Britain, France, and the USA are the five permanent members of the UN Security Council holding veto power. Japan is not a permanent member.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council (P5).
b) Japan is a prominent economic power but lacks permanent representation and veto power in the UNSC.

(xv) Identify the correct pair from the given options. [1 Mark]
(a) Surendranath Banerjee - Assertive Nationalist
(b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy - Delhi Durbar
(c) Dadabhai Naoroji - First President of Congress
(d) Jyotiba Phule - Women's Education

Answer: (d) Jyotiba Phule - Women's Education

Jyotiba Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule were pioneers in promoting women's education and social reform in India.

Teacher's Note:
a) Surendranath Banerjee was an Early Nationalist, W.C. Bonnerjee was the first Congress president, and Lytton organized the Delhi Durbar.
b) Verify historical associations carefully across all options before selecting the correct match.

(xvi) Which of the following scenarios describes the Non-Alignment Policy (NAM)? [1 Mark]
(a) A country forms a military alliance only with the United States.
(b) A country maintains relations with both factions during the Cold War and does not take sides.
(c) A country is part of a religious movement advocating non-violence
(d) A country aligns with the Soviet Union and receives military aid.

Answer: (b) A country maintains relations with both factions during the Cold War and does not take sides.

Non-Alignment meant staying out of military blocs like NATO or the Warsaw Pact and maintaining independent foreign policies during the Cold War.

Teacher's Note:
a) NAM advocated strategic independence rather than isolationism or alignment with power blocks.
b) India played a founding role in the Non-Aligned Movement.

Question 2

(i) Read the extract given below and answer the question which follow: [2 Marks]
Congress member's adjournment motion disallowed. The notice, along with another moved demanding a discussion on China, was disallowed in the Lok Sabha.
- The Times of India, Feb 10, 2023
Who can allow or disallow the above motion? What does this motion mean?

Answer:
1. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the authority to allow or disallow an adjournment motion.
2. An adjournment motion means a proposal to set aside the normal business of the House to discuss a matter of urgent public importance.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention both the presiding officer's role and the specific parliamentary definition.
b) Adjournment motions are meant to draw immediate attention to serious public grievances.

(ii) Which category of power is being exercised by the President in the following: [2 Marks]
(a) Approval of Bills
(b) Appointment of the Supreme Court judges

Answer:
(a) Approval of Bills: Legislative power.
(b) Appointment of the Supreme Court judges: Executive power.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly distinguish between executive appointments and legislative assent to bills.
b) Precise categorization ensures full marks in constitutional power questions.

(iii) The whole plan may not be perfect but like all plans, its success will depend on the spirit of goodwill with which it is carried out. - Lord Mountbatten [2 Marks]
Give two reasons for the acceptance of the above plan by the Congress.

Answer:
1. It was seen as the only practical solution to the widespread communal violence plaguing the country.
2. The experience of working with the Muslim League in the Interim Government had convinced Congress that a joint administration was unworkable.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on Congress's practical realization that partition prevented further bloodshed and civil war.
b) Mention administrative deadlock within the Interim Government as a key rationale.

(iv) Imagine you were an artisan in the year 1856. Mention any two ways in which the economic policies of the British would have affected you. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Loss of livelihood due to cheap machine-made British goods flooding the Indian market.
2. Loss of royal patronage from local courts and rulers, destroying traditional handicrafts and weaving industries.

Teacher's Note:
a) Reflect the devastating impact of the Industrial Revolution on traditional Indian artisans and craftsmen.
b) High taxation and lack of raw materials are also acceptable points.

(v) Look at the picture given and answer. [2 Marks]
[Figure: Portrait of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak wearing a traditional Maharashtrian turban]
Identify the leader seen in the picture above. Mention any one of his contributions.

Answer:
1. The leader is Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
2. Contribution: He popularized the slogan 'Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it' and started newspapers like Kesari and Mahratta.

Teacher's Note:
a) Visual identification of prominent national leaders is frequently tested.
b) Mentioning his extremist leadership or festivals initiated by him (Ganpati and Shivaji) is also valid.

(vi) Mention any two objectives of the League of Nations. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. To promote international cooperation and achieve international peace and security.
2. To ensure that states respected each other's independence and refrained from entering into secret treaties or aggressive wars.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize collective security and peaceful settlement of international disputes.
b) Mentioning reduction of armaments is also correct.

(vii) Mention any two ideologies of the dictators. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Belief in totalitarian rule where the state is supreme and citizens' rights are suppressed.
2. Promotion of aggressive nationalism, imperialism, and viewing war as a valid instrument of national policy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Dictatorships like Fascism in Italy and Nazism in Germany rejected democracy and pluralism.
b) Highlight the one-party, one-leader principle characteristic of dictatorial regimes.

PART II
SECTION A (20 Marks)
Attempt any two questions from this Section.

Question 3
The Union Legislature of India is the law-making body of the country. With reference to the Parliament, answer the following questions:

(i) Mention any three key differences in power between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha that make the Lok Sabha more influential. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend them.
2. A Motion of No-Confidence against the government can only be introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha.
3. In case of a joint sitting of both houses due to a deadlock, the will of the Lok Sabha prevails owing to its larger numerical strength.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on financial control and executive accountability to establish Lok Sabha's supremacy.
b) Ensure all three points clearly contrast the powers of both houses.

(ii) Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die, overall productivity at 79 percent. - Deccan Herald, 21 December 2023. [3 Marks]
Who can adjourn the above session? Explain the composition of this house.

Answer:
1. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Vice President of India) or the presiding officer can adjourn the session.
2. Composition: The Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members.
3. Out of these, 238 members represent the States and Union Territories, while 12 members are nominated by the President from persons having special knowledge in literature, science, art, and social service.

Teacher's Note:
a) Specify both the presiding officer and the exact numerical composition.
b) Remember that the Vice President acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

(iii) Mention any four legislative powers of the Parliament. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Power to make laws on subjects included in the Union List and Concurrent List.
2. Exercise residuary powers on matters not enumerated in any of the three lists.
3. Power to legislate on State List matters during a declared National Emergency.
4. Power to approve ordinances promulgated by the President during recess of Parliament.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly categorize legislative jurisdictions into Union, Concurrent, and Residuary subjects.
b) Mentioning emergency powers adds strong domain knowledge.

Question 4
The President is the nominal head of the executive and the first citizen of the country. With reference to this, answer the following questions:

(i) The President is the nominal head of the country and cannot act independently. Mention any three legislative powers of the President which justify the nominal position. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The President summons, prorogues Parliament, and dissolves the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
2. Every bill passed by Parliament requires the President's assent to become law, which is constitutionally bound to be granted on ministerial advice.
3. The President addresses the first session of Parliament after each general election and sends messages to either house, acting strictly on cabinet guidance.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize that formal legislative acts are performed on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
b) Distinguish between nominal authority and real executive power held by the Prime Minister.

(ii) Mention any three points to enumerate the financial powers vested in the President of India. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. No Money Bill can be introduced in Parliament without the prior recommendation of the President.
2. The Annual Financial Statement (Union Budget) is laid before Parliament on behalf of the President.
3. The President constitutes a Finance Commission every five years to recommend distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and States.

Teacher's Note:
a) Financial control requires prior presidential sanction for taxation and expenditure bills.
b) Mentioning the Contingency Fund of India or budget presentation ensures comprehensive answers.

(iii) Describe the constitutional procedure to remove the President. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. The President can be removed from office through impeachment for violation of the Constitution.
2. The impeachment charge can be initiated in either house of Parliament by signing a resolution backed by at least one-fourth of its total members, after giving 14 days' written notice.
3. The resolution must be passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of that house and then sent to the other house.
4. The second house investigates the charges, and if passed by a two-thirds majority there as well, the President stands impeached from the date the resolution is passed.

Teacher's Note:
a) Detail the dual-house majority requirement (two-thirds of total members) for successful impeachment.
b) Emphasize the requirement of prior notice and constitutional violation grounds.

Question 5
The Supreme Court of India is the highest court of the Republic of India. With reference to the Supreme Court, answer the following questions:

(i) Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court? What is the composition of the Supreme Court? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India.
2. Composition: The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India and up to 33 other judges (total strength of 34 judges).

Teacher's Note:
a) State both the appointing authority and the current sanctioned numerical strength.
b) Remember that the Collegium system guides the executive appointment of judges.

(ii) Under Article 129, the Supreme Court of India is called a Court of Record. Justify this statement with any three points. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. All judgements, proceedings, and acts of the Supreme Court are recorded for perpetual memory and testimony.
2. These recorded judgements are treated as legal precedents and can be cited in all subordinate courts across the country.
3. The Supreme Court has the power to punish for its own contempt, reinforcing its authority as a Court of Record.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain both the evidentiary value of records and the punitive power regarding contempt.
b) Precedent value makes Supreme Court rulings binding on lower courts.

(iii) Explain the following terms: [4 Marks]
(a) Revisory Jurisdiction
(b) Original Jurisdiction

Answer:
(a) Revisory Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court has the power to review any judgement or order pronounced by it to correct any patent error, as its rulings are final and form laws of the land.
(b) Original Jurisdiction: The power of the Supreme Court to hear certain types of legal disputes in the first instance, such as disputes between the Centre and one or more States, or between two or more States.

Teacher's Note:
a) Differentiate clearly between appellate, revisory, and original jurisdictions.
b) Federal disputes fall strictly under the original jurisdiction of the apex court.

SECTION B (30 Marks)
Attempt any three questions from this Section.

Question 6
The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a major uprising against the rule of the British East India Company. With reference to this, answer the following questions:

(i) The British used many policies of expansion. Mention any three such policies. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Doctrine of Lapse (annexing states whose rulers died without a natural male heir).
2. Subsidiary Alliance (forcing Indian rulers to maintain British troops and accept British residency).
3. Pretext of misgovernance (annexing territories like Awadh on grounds of alleged administrative failure).

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention Dalhousie's expansionist strategies clearly.
b) Outright wars and military conquest are also valid expansion policies.

(ii) Analyse the impact of the failure of the Revolt of 1857 on the Mughals and the Peshwas. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Mughal rule officially came to an end with the trial and deportation of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, to Rangoon.
2. The titular office of the Peshwa was abolished as Nana Sahib fled to Nepal after the defeat of the uprising.
3. This marked the absolute collapse of the remnants of traditional Indian imperial authority.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the definitive termination of both the Mughal dynasty and Maratha Peshwaship.
b) Connect the failure of the revolt directly to the transfer of governance to the British Crown.

(iii) The Indian army was reorganised after 1858, to prevent the reoccurrence of another uprising. Justify this statement by stating any four changes made in the army after the Revolt. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. The proportion of European troops to Indian soldiers was substantially increased and kept in key geographical positions.
2. All Indian artillery units, except mountain units, were disbanded to prevent sepoys from handling heavy weaponry.
3. Sophisticated arms and modern military equipment were exclusively reserved for European troops.
4. The army was reorganized on the policy of 'divide and rule', recruiting soldiers on the basis of caste, region, and religion to prevent national solidarity.

Teacher's Note:
a) Detail the strategic military safeguards adopted by the British Crown post-1858.
b) Emphasize the deliberate communal and regional balancing within army regiments.

Question 7
Nationalism refers to the feeling of oneness that emerges when people consider themselves as one nation. With reference to the growth of nationalism, answer the following:

(i) Name the first President of the Congress. Mention any two objectives of the Congress. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The first President of the Congress was W.C. Bonnerjee.
2. Objective 1: To promote friendly relations between nationalist political workers from different parts of the country.
3. Objective 2: To develop and consolidate feelings of national unity irrespective of caste, religion, or province.

Teacher's Note:
a) Accurately name W.C. Bonnerjee as the first session president.
b) Early Congress objectives focused on nation-building, unity, and presenting popular demands to the government.

(ii) Whether it is fiction, non-fiction, or periodical, all kinds of literature contributed at large in the national consciousness of India in pre-independence times. Mention any three points to analyse the role of the press in the growth of nationalism. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Newspapers and journals helped spread the ideals of patriotism, liberty, equality, and modern democratic ideas.
2. The press served as a powerful platform to criticize exploitative British economic and administrative policies.
3. It enabled freedom fighters and Indians across regions to exchange views, coordinate movements, and stay informed about national and international events.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the educational and agitational role of the nationalist press.
b) Mention how newspapers awakened political consciousness among the masses.

(iii) Explain any two policies of Lord Lytton that showcased his attitude of racial superiority, eventually leading to the growth of nationalism. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Vernacular Press Act (1878): Imposed severe restrictions on native language newspapers to suppress criticism of the government while sparing English newspapers, showing blatant racial bias.
2. The Arms Act (1878): Made it a criminal offence for Indians to keep or carry arms without a license while exempting Europeans, directly insulting Indian self-respect.
3. Reduction of the maximum age limit for the Civil Service Examination from 21 to 19 years, designed to debar educated Indians from entering administrative services.

Teacher's Note:
a) Select any two major repressive measures enacted during Lord Lytton's viceroyalty.
b) Explain how these discriminatory laws united Indians in opposition against colonial rule.

Question 8
Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow -
"The March, which took place in India, was led by Mohandas Gandhi to protest British rule in India. During the march, thousands of Indians followed Gandhi from his religious retreat near Ahmedabad to the Arabian Sea coast, a distance of some 240 miles. The march resulted in the arrest of nearly 60,000 people, including Gandhi himself."
- The Marion (Ohio) Star [Edited]

(i) Name the March being discussed above. Which movement did this March lead to? In which year was that movement launched? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Name of the March: Dandi March.
2. Movement launched: Civil Disobedience Movement.
3. Year of launch: 1930.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify the Dandi Salt March from the descriptive distance and leadership clues.
b) Connect the march directly to the formal inauguration of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

(ii) The movement which began with this March made a considerable impact on the social and political surroundings of the country. Analyse this statement by mentioning any three impacts. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Created deep patriotic feelings and significantly widened the social base of the Indian freedom struggle.
2. Brought women out of their homes in large numbers to actively participate in picketing and processions.
3. Fostered unity and drew depressed classes and rural populations into the national mainstream.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize mass mobilization and women's participation.
b) Note that the movement shook the foundations of British economic control through boycotts.

(iii) Mention any four clauses of the treaty which led to the suspension of this movement. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. The government agreed to withdraw all ordinances and end prosecutions, releasing all political prisoners except those guilty of violence.
2. Permitted peaceful picketing of liquor and foreign cloth shops.
3. Agreed to restore confiscated properties of satyagrahis.
4. Permitted free collection or manufacture of salt by persons residing near the seacoast.
*(Note: In return, Congress agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference).*

Teacher's Note:
a) Refer to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (Delhi Pact) which led to the temporary suspension of the movement.
b) Clearly list concessions made by the British government.

Question 9
Look at the picture given below and answer the following questions:
[Figure: Historical newspaper front page of 'The Evening Herald' with headlines announcing "ASSASSINATION MAY LEAD TO WAR" featuring portraits of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife]

(i) How did the assassination mentioned above become a cause for the First World War? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated at Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian nationalist.
2. Austria-Hungary served an ultimatum on Serbia with harsh demands, and upon rejection, declared war on Serbia.
3. This triggered the intricate web of secret alliances, dragging Russia, France, Germany, and Britain into a full-scale global war.

Teacher's Note:
a) Trace the chain reaction from the Sarajevo assassination to the outbreak of hostilities.
b) Highlight the role of alliance systems in converting a regional dispute into a world war.

(ii) Mention any three points to analyse how Europe was reorganised because of the war triggered by this incident. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Three major ruling dynasties collapsed: Romanov (Russia), Hohenzollern (Germany), and Habsburg (Austria-Hungary), along with the Ottoman Empire.
2. Several new independent nation-states, such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia, were created based on the principle of self-determination.
3. Monarchies declined, giving way to the rise of democratic governments and, subsequently, totalitarian dictatorships in Europe.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on the map realignment and the collapse of empires.
b) Mention the emergence of new republics and shifting geopolitical power balances.

(iii) The Germans described the Treaty of Versailles as harsh and humiliating. Give any four reasons that justify this statement. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Germany was declared solely guilty of aggression and forced to accept total war responsibility.
2. Imposed an enormous war reparation of 33 billion dollars to be paid to the Allies.
3. The German military was drastically reduced to 1 lakh troops, with submarines, air force, and major naval fleets banned.
4. Germany lost vast territories, including Alsace-Lorraine to France, and the rich industrial Ruhr valley was placed under Allied occupation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Detail the military, territorial, and financial penalties imposed on Germany.
b) Explain how the harshness of Versailles laid the groundwork for World War II.

Question 10
The United Nations Organisation aims to maintain international peace. With reference to its organs and agencies, answer the following:

(i) What is the composition of the International Court of Justice? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The International Court of Justice consists of 15 judges.
2. They are elected jointly by the General Assembly and the Security Council for a term of 9 years.
3. No two judges can belong to the same country, and retiring judges are eligible for re-election.

Teacher's Note:
a) State the exact number of judges, their tenure, and voting procedure.
b) Emphasize the global representation criterion where judges come from different nations.

(ii) Mention any three exclusive functions of the General Assembly. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. To consider and approve the budget of the United Nations Organisation.
2. To elect non-permanent members of the Security Council, members of ECOSOC, Trusteeship Council, and judges of the ICJ.
3. To consider and make recommendations on reports received from the Security Council and other UN organs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on budgetary and electoral powers exclusive to the General Assembly.
b) Distinguish between General Assembly functions and Security Council enforcement powers.

(iii) Kolkata's famous Durga Puja received the intangible heritage tag. Which agency of the United Nations is authorised to give this tag? Mention any three other contributions of that agency in the preservation of culture. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Agency authorised to give this tag: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
2. Contribution 1: Provides technical advice, assistance, and financial funds to preserve World Heritage monuments and works of art.
3. Contribution 2: Prepares and maintains the World Heritage List to identify and protect cultural and natural sites of universal value.
4. Contribution 3: Protects rare manuscripts, ancient libraries, and encourages artistic creations in literature and fine arts.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify UNESCO correctly as the cultural arm of the United Nations.
b) Detail its broader mandate in heritage conservation, monument protection, and artifact preservation.