BSEAP Board Class 10 Social Studies Question Paper 2023 with Answer Key

India is located in the Northern Hemisphere based on latitudes. The Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) passes through the middle of India, confirming its position in the Northern Hemisphere. The entire country lies north of the Equator.
Quick Tip: The Earth is divided into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres by the Equator (0° latitude).

The odd one out is Indus, as it primarily flows through Pakistan, whereas the other three rivers (Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Godavari) are major rivers of India.
Quick Tip: The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in the world, flowing through China, India, and Pakistan.

HDI stands for Human Development Index. It is a composite index that measures a country's average achievements in three basic aspects of human development: health (life expectancy), education (literacy rate), and standard of living (GNI per capita).
Quick Tip: The HDI is published annually by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Rachel Carson wrote the book Silent Spring. Published in 1962, the book highlighted the environmental effects of pesticides, particularly DDT. It played a key role in the global environmental movement and led to policy changes regarding pesticide use.
Quick Tip: \textit{Silent Spring raised awareness about environmental conservation and influenced the ban on DDT in many countries.

The missing item is Arabian Sea, as it is the water body associated with the Lakshadweep Islands, similar to how the Bay of Bengal is associated with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Quick Tip: Lakshadweep is India's smallest Union Territory, consisting of 36 coral islands in the Arabian Sea.

Eric Hobsbawm, a British historian, called the 20^th century \textit{"The Age of Extremes". His book \textit{The Age of Extremes: The Short Twentieth Century, 1914-1991 discusses the political and economic transformations of the century, including wars, revolutions, and globalization.
Quick Tip: Eric Hobsbawm's historical analysis divided the 20^th century into three phases: The Age of Catastrophe, The Golden Age, and The Landslide.

The country that suffered atomic attacks during World War II was Japan. The United States dropped two atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945). These attacks led to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.
Quick Tip: The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain the only instances of nuclear weapons being used in war.

The person in the picture is Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. He was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution and played a crucial role in shaping India's constitutional framework. He is also known as the Father of the Indian Constitution.
Quick Tip: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was an advocate for social justice and worked towards the upliftment of marginalized communities in India.

Sun Yat-sen is considered the Father of Modern China. He was the founder of the Republic of China and played a significant role in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, leading to the establishment of modern China.
Quick Tip: Sun Yat-sen's Three Principles of the People emphasized nationalism, democracy, and livelihood.

Two examples of regional political parties in India are:
1. Shiv Sena (Maharashtra)
2. Trinamool Congress (West Bengal)

These parties primarily function at the state level and play a key role in regional governance.
Quick Tip: India has a multi-party system where regional parties influence state politics and national coalitions.

The given logo belongs to the United Nations (UN). The UN was established in 1945 to promote international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and foster economic and social progress worldwide.
Quick Tip: The United Nations has 193 member countries and operates through agencies like WHO, UNESCO, and UNICEF.

The given map represents Nigeria, a country in West Africa. It is home to several ethnic groups, including the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo tribes. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and a major producer of oil.
Quick Tip: Nigeria's capital is Abuja, and Lagos is its largest city.

India is divided into five major physiographic divisions based on topography and geology. Four of them are:

1. The Himalayan Mountains – Young fold mountains extending across northern India.

2. The Northern Plains – Formed by the alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.

3. The Peninsular Plateau – The oldest landmass of India, consisting of the Deccan and Central Highlands.

4. The Coastal Plains – Narrow plains along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
Quick Tip: \textbf{India's physiographic divisions influence its climate, vegetation, and agriculture.}

The four main factors of production in economics are:

1. Land – Natural resources like soil, water, and minerals.

2. Labor – Human effort, both physical and intellectual, used in production.

3. Capital – Man-made resources like machinery, tools, and buildings.

4. Entrepreneurship – The ability to combine other factors to create goods and services.
Quick Tip: \textbf{Economic production depends on the effective use of land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship.}

An Aerotropolis is a city built around an airport, where economic activities are linked to aviation services.

It includes business hubs, logistics centers, and industries that depend on air connectivity.

Example: Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Aerotropolis.
Quick Tip: \textbf{Aerotropoli enhance global trade, tourism, and urban infrastructure.}

Aggression can escalate conflicts, leading to war and economic damage. Instead, countries should focus on:

1. Diplomatic Negotiations – Engaging in talks to resolve disputes peacefully.

2. Economic Measures – Imposing trade sanctions instead of military actions.

3. International Mediation – Seeking intervention from global organizations like the United Nations (UN).

However, self-defense is a legal right under international law if diplomacy fails.
Quick Tip: \textbf{Peaceful conflict resolution ensures long-term global stability.}

1. "Peace is the only way for a better world every day."

2. "Spread love, not war—Peace begins with you."
Quick Tip: \textbf{World peace fosters economic growth, stability, and human rights.}

As of 2024, the President of India is Droupadi Murmu, and the Vice President is Jagdeep Dhankhar.

The President is the head of state, while the Vice President is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Quick Tip: \textbf{The President is elected by an electoral college, while the Vice President is elected by MPs of both houses.}

The correct order from West to East based on their global positions is:
\[ \textbf{USA} \rightarrow \textbf{Italy} \rightarrow \textbf{Russia} \rightarrow \textbf{Japan} \]
- USA is in North America.

- Italy is in Europe.

- Russia spans both Europe and Asia.

- Japan is in East Asia.
Quick Tip: \textbf{Longitude determines the relative positions of countries from West to East.}

The given data represents employment distribution in 1972-73. The pie chart below visually represents the share of employment across different sectors.



Quick Tip: \textbf{A pie chart helps visualize percentage distribution among different categories.}

The Great Economic Depression (1929–1939) had devastating effects on the global economy. Some of its major effects were:

1. Mass Unemployment – Millions of people lost their jobs, particularly in the USA and Europe.

2. Bank Failures – Many banks collapsed due to financial instability, leading to loss of savings.

3. Decline in Industrial Production – Factories shut down, reducing goods production and trade.

4. Political Instability – Economic distress led to the rise of extremist ideologies, such as Nazism in Germany.

5. Agricultural Crisis – Falling crop prices severely affected farmers, worsening rural poverty.
Quick Tip: The Great Depression influenced global politics, leading to World War II and economic policy reforms.

Lok Adalat (People’s Court) is an alternative dispute resolution system in India. Its major uses include:

1. Speedy Justice – Cases are resolved quickly without long court procedures.

2. Cost-Effective – No court fees are required, making it accessible for the poor.

3. Binding Decision – The decision is final and cannot be appealed, ensuring immediate resolution.

4. Reduces Court Burden – It helps in reducing the backlog of cases in regular courts.

5. Settles Civil & Compoundable Cases – Mainly used for resolving family disputes, labor disputes, and land-related cases.
Quick Tip: Lok Adalat follows the principle of conciliation and aims for mutual settlement of disputes.

Globalization has both positive and negative impacts, which are not uniform across the world:

1. Developed Countries Benefit More – Countries like the USA and Germany have strong economies, allowing them to gain from trade and investment.

2. Economic Inequality – Wealthier nations dominate markets, while poorer countries struggle with dependency.

3. Cultural Influence – Western culture spreads globally, sometimes overshadowing local traditions.

4. Job Opportunities and Exploitation – While globalization creates jobs, it also leads to low wages and labor exploitation in developing nations.

5. Environmental Impact – Rapid industrialization in some countries leads to pollution and resource depletion.
Quick Tip: The benefits of globalization depend on a country’s economic and political structure.

Migrants face multiple challenges when they move from one place to another:

1. Employment Issues – Migrants often struggle to find stable jobs due to lack of skills or legal documentation.

2. Poor Living Conditions – Many migrants live in overcrowded slums with limited access to water and sanitation.

3. Discrimination and Social Exclusion – Migrants may face racism, xenophobia, or denial of basic rights.

4. Language Barriers – Communication difficulties affect social integration and job opportunities.

5. Legal Problems – Undocumented migrants may face deportation or denial of government benefits.
Quick Tip: Migrant workers are essential for economic growth but often suffer from inadequate protection.

The two World Wars were caused by multiple factors, including:


Causes of World War I (1914–1918):

1. Militarism – Countries like Germany and Britain increased their military strength, creating tension.

2. Alliances – Rival alliances (Triple Entente vs. Triple Alliance) led to war escalation.

3. Imperialism – European nations competed for colonies, causing conflicts.

4. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand – This event in 1914 directly triggered the war.


Causes of World War II (1939–1945):

1. Treaty of Versailles – The harsh conditions imposed on Germany after World War I fueled resentment.

2. Rise of Dictators – Hitler, Mussolini, and militarist Japan sought aggressive expansion.

3. Failure of the League of Nations – Weak international enforcement allowed aggression to spread.

4. Invasion of Poland – Germany’s attack on Poland in 1939 led to global war.
Quick Tip: Both wars reshaped global politics, leading to the formation of the United Nations.

Several human activities contribute to global warming:

1. Burning Fossil Fuels – Coal, oil, and gas emissions increase greenhouse gases like CO\textsubscript{2.

2. Deforestation – Cutting down trees reduces oxygen levels and increases carbon dioxide.

3. Industrial Pollution – Factories release toxic gases and heat into the atmosphere.

4. Agriculture – Livestock farming produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

5. Excessive Waste Production – Plastic and non-biodegradable waste contribute to environmental degradation.
Quick Tip: Reducing carbon footprints and using renewable energy can help combat global warming.

The bar graph below visually represents the increase in military expenditure from 1880 to 1914. The data shows that as tensions between nations grew, the military spending of countries involved in the Armaments Race increased significantly, leading to the outbreak of World War I.
Quick Tip: A bar graph is useful for comparing military expenditures over different years.

Two major tributaries of the Ganga River are:

1. Yamuna River – The longest tributary of the Ganga, originating from the Yamunotri Glacier.

2. Gandak River – Originates in Nepal and joins the Ganga in Bihar.
Quick Tip: Tributaries help increase the water volume of the main river and support agriculture and biodiversity.

Kolkata is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, which is a distributary of the Ganga River. The Hooghly River plays a vital role in trade and transportation for the city.
Quick Tip: The Hooghly River has major ports like Kolkata Port, which is India's oldest operational port.

The Himalayas are one of the most important geographical features of India, providing numerous benefits in different fields such as climate, economy, defense, and biodiversity. Below are the major uses of the Himalayas:
1. Climatic Barrier: The Himalayas act as a natural barrier, preventing the cold winds from Central Asia from entering India. This helps maintain a moderate climate in the northern plains. They also play a crucial role in the monsoon system by blocking the monsoon winds, leading to rainfall in India.
2. Source of Major Rivers: Many of India's important rivers, such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and Indus, originate from the glaciers of the Himalayas. These rivers provide water for drinking, irrigation, and hydroelectric projects.
3. Natural Defense Barrier: The Himalayas form a protective shield along India's northern border, acting as a natural defense against invasions from neighboring countries. Historically, they have protected India from foreign invasions.
4. Biodiversity and Forest Resources: The Himalayas are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. They provide timber, medicinal plants, and other forest resources, supporting the livelihood of many local communities.
5. Tourism and Adventure Sports: The Himalayas attract millions of tourists for activities like trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, and skiing. Popular destinations include Shimla, Manali, Darjeeling, and Ladakh.
6. Agricultural Benefits: The fertile soil from Himalayan rivers supports agriculture in the Indo-Gangetic plains, making them one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world.
7. Hydroelectric Power Generation: The fast-flowing rivers originating from the Himalayas are ideal for hydroelectric power generation, contributing significantly to India's energy needs. Major projects include the Tehri Dam and Bhakra Nangal Dam.
8. Cultural and Religious Importance: The Himalayas have been a center for spirituality and religious practices. Famous pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Amarnath, and Vaishno Devi are located in the Himalayas.
Quick Tip: The Himalayas influence India's climate, water resources, and economy, making them an essential part of the nation's geography.

After gaining independence in 1947, one of India's biggest challenges was integrating 562 princely states into the newly formed nation. This was achieved through diplomatic efforts, military actions, and political negotiations. Below are the key aspects of this integration process:


1. Role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: As India's first Home Minister, Sardar Patel played a crucial role in persuading princely states to join India. He used both diplomatic talks and, in some cases, military force to integrate them.


2. Instrument of Accession: Each princely state was given the choice to join either India or Pakistan by signing the Instrument of Accession. Most rulers willingly joined India, while a few resisted.


3. Integration of Junagarh: The ruler of Junagarh, a Muslim-majority princely state, wanted to join Pakistan, but the people revolted and favored joining India. After a plebiscite, Junagarh was annexed into India.


4. Integration of Hyderabad: The Nizam of Hyderabad wanted to remain independent, but due to internal conflicts and lawlessness, India launched Operation Polo in 1948 and merged Hyderabad into the Indian Union.


5. Kashmir’s Accession: When Pakistan-backed forces attacked Kashmir in 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh sought India's help and signed the Instrument of Accession, making Jammu & Kashmir part of India.


6. Creation of Indian States: Once all princely states were merged, the government reorganized the territories based on administrative convenience. The States Reorganization Act of 1956 later restructured Indian states based on language and culture.


7. End of Monarchy and Establishment of Democracy: After integration, India abolished the privileges of former rulers and brought all regions under a democratic governance system.


8. Significance of Integration: The integration of princely states played a crucial role in establishing India's unity, ensuring economic development, and strengthening national security.
Quick Tip: The integration of princely states was a crucial step in building a unified and democratic India.

Groundwater is a vital resource in India, used for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes. However, the existing groundwater laws are considered outdated and inappropriate due to several reasons:


1. Lack of Strict Regulation: Groundwater extraction is largely unregulated in India, leading to over-exploitation. Private individuals and industries extract water without proper restrictions.


2. Ownership Issues: According to outdated laws, landowners have the right to extract unlimited groundwater from their property, even if it leads to depletion of water resources in nearby areas.


3. Declining Groundwater Levels: Uncontrolled extraction for agriculture and urban needs has led to a sharp decline in groundwater levels, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.


4. Climate Change Impact: Irregular monsoons and rising temperatures have further stressed groundwater reserves, making conservation efforts essential. However, existing laws fail to address climate change-related water scarcity.


5. Absence of Conservation Measures: Modern conservation techniques like rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge, and watershed management are not properly enforced under current laws.


6. Need for National-Level Legislation: Groundwater laws in India are implemented at the state level, leading to inconsistencies in regulation. A national law is required to ensure sustainable groundwater management.


7. Impact on Agriculture and Rural Communities: Over-extraction leads to drying up of wells and borewells, affecting farmers who rely on groundwater for irrigation. This has caused an increase in agrarian distress and farmer suicides.


8. Proposed Reforms: The Indian government has introduced several groundwater management policies, including the National Water Policy and groundwater conservation projects, but stricter implementation is needed to ensure sustainable use.
Quick Tip: Sustainable groundwater management policies are essential to prevent future water crises in India.

The Indian Constitution is based on several fundamental principles that ensure justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens. The main principles are:


1. Sovereignty: India is an independent nation, free from external control, with full authority to govern itself.


2. Socialism: The Constitution aims to create an egalitarian society where wealth is distributed fairly, and resources are used for the benefit of all.


3. Secularism: India follows the principle of religious neutrality, ensuring that all religions are treated equally without any state preference.


4. Democracy: India follows a parliamentary democratic system, where people elect their representatives, and the government is accountable to the citizens.


5. Republicanism: India is a republic, meaning that the head of the state (President) is elected and not a hereditary ruler.


6. Justice: The Constitution provides for social, economic, and political justice to all citizens, ensuring equal opportunities.


7. Liberty: The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, expression, religion, and movement to every citizen.


8. Equality: All citizens are equal before the law, and discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or place of birth is prohibited.


9. Fraternity: The idea of fraternity promotes a sense of brotherhood and unity among Indian citizens, ensuring national integrity.


10. Fundamental Rights and Duties: The Constitution provides Fundamental Rights to protect citizens’ freedoms, along with Fundamental Duties to encourage responsible citizenship.
Quick Tip: The Indian Constitution is the world's longest written constitution and serves as the backbone of India's democracy.

The debate over climate responsibility highlights the global divide between developed and developing nations. The key issues include:

1. Historical Responsibility: Developed countries like the USA, UK, and Germany have historically contributed the most to greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change.

2. Unequal Economic Development: Developed countries industrialized using fossil fuels, while developing countries are now being asked to cut emissions, limiting their economic growth.

3. Paris Agreement and Climate Policies: International climate agreements urge all nations to reduce emissions, but developing nations argue that financial assistance is needed for them to adopt cleaner technologies.

4. Green Technology Transfer: Developed nations should provide clean energy technology to developing countries to help them transition to sustainable energy sources.


5. Impact on Developing Nations: Countries like India and China still rely on coal for energy and economic growth. Sudden restrictions can affect industries and employment.
Quick Tip: Sustainable development requires balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

The Partition of India (1947) was one of the most tragic events in Indian history. Its impact included:


1. Mass Displacement: Around 15 million people were forced to migrate between India and Pakistan, making it the largest migration in human history.


2. Communal Riots: Widespread violence between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs resulted in mass killings, looting, and destruction of property.


3. Refugee Crisis: Millions of displaced people lived in refugee camps under harsh conditions, facing poverty and uncertainty.


4. Gandhiji’s Role: Mahatma Gandhi worked to restore peace by visiting riot-hit areas and promoting communal harmony. His fasting and appeals for peace played a crucial role in controlling violence.


5. Creation of Two Nations: India and Pakistan became two separate nations with distinct political and religious identities. However, the division led to long-term conflict, particularly over Kashmir.


6. Impact on Cultural and Social Structure: The partition deeply affected communities, breaking families, businesses, and centuries-old cultural ties. It also led to deep-rooted mistrust between the two nations.


7. Long-Term Consequences: Partition led to multiple wars between India and Pakistan, border conflicts, and continuous diplomatic tensions that persist even today.


8. Humanitarian Crisis: The sudden migration resulted in a lack of proper shelter, food, and medical care, leading to further suffering of the displaced people.
Quick Tip: The Partition of India reshaped South Asia and had long-lasting political and humanitarian consequences.

The Weimar Republic was proclaimed in Germany on November 9, 1918, following the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

The Weimar Republic faced economic crises and political instability, leading to the rise of the Nazi Party.

Adolf Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933, and later established a dictatorship under Nazi rule.
Quick Tip: The Weimar Republic was Germany’s first attempt at democracy but failed due to economic hardship and political extremism.

The two major Allied Powers during World War II were:

1. United States of America (USA) – Entered the war in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

2. Soviet Union (USSR) – Initially neutral but joined the Allies after Germany invaded the USSR in 1941.


Other Allied Powers included Great Britain, France, and China.
Quick Tip: The Allied Powers fought against the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) during World War II.

The Nazis, under Adolf Hitler, carried out the Holocaust, systematically murdering Jews, Romani people, disabled individuals, and political opponents.

The mass murders of the Jews began on June 23, 1941, with the establishment of extermination camps such as Auschwitz, Treblinka, and Dachau.

By the end of World War II, around six million Jews had been killed in the Holocaust.
Quick Tip: The Holocaust remains one of the worst genocides in history, highlighting the dangers of extreme ideology and racism.

The United States of America (USA) joined World War II late, on December 8, 1941, after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.

World War II officially ended in Europe on May 8, 1945, with the surrender of Nazi Germany. In the Pacific, the war ended on September 2, 1945, after Japan surrendered following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Quick Tip: The entry of the USA in 1941 strengthened the Allied Powers, leading to the defeat of Axis Powers.

The graph represents the sex ratio of India from 1951 to 2011.

It shows the number of females per 1000 males, indicating a general decline in sex ratio from 1951 to 1991, with a slight recovery in 2001 and 2011.
Quick Tip: The sex ratio is an important indicator of gender balance in a population.

The lowest sex ratio in the given data was recorded in 1991, with 929 females per 1000 males.
Quick Tip: A declining sex ratio can indicate gender-based discrimination and social issues.

As per the 2011 Census, India’s sex ratio was recorded as 943 females per 1000 males. This shows an improvement compared to previous decades.
Quick Tip: Improving the sex ratio requires strict implementation of gender equality laws and social awareness.

The major reasons for the low sex ratio in India include:

1. Female Infanticide – Preference for male children leads to the killing of female infants.

2. Gender Discrimination – Women face economic and social disadvantages.

3. Illegal Sex-Selective Abortions – Despite laws, female foeticide remains a problem.

4. Maternal Mortality – Lack of healthcare facilities leads to high death rates among women.
Quick Tip: Government schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao aim to improve the sex ratio in India.

The provided map of India shows the exact locations of the given places with numerical markers. Below are their approximate positions:




1. Mt. Everest – Located in the Himalayan range on the Nepal-India border, the world's highest peak.

2. Mumbai – A coastal city in Maharashtra, India's financial capital, located along the western coast.

3. Deccan Plateau – A vast elevated region covering central and southern India, spread across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.

4. Aravali Ranges – A mountain range running across Rajasthan and parts of Haryana, known for its ancient rock formations.

5. Delhi – The capital city of India, located in the northern region along the banks of the Yamuna River.

6. Arunachal Pradesh – A northeastern state bordering China, Bhutan, and Myanmar, known for its mountainous terrain.

7. Vindhya Ranges – A prominent mountain range dividing northern and southern India, mainly in Madhya Pradesh.

8. Coromandel Coast – A coastal region along the southeastern shores of India, covering parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Quick Tip: The physical and political map of India helps in understanding the geographical distribution of mountains, plateaus, and coastal regions.