RBSE Class 8th 2020 Social Science (Half Yearly)-2020 Previous Year Papers

Answer: Mawat refers to the local term for the monsoon winds or rainfall in Rajasthan. Its advantages include providing essential water for agriculture, replenishing groundwater, supporting livestock, and maintaining the ecological balance in the arid region.

Answer: Major hurdles include poverty, lack of education and skilled workforce, inadequate infrastructure, political instability, corruption, high population growth, and limited access to capital and technology.

Answer: India is called a secular country because its Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens, treats all religions equally, and does not have an official state religion. The state remains neutral in religious matters.

Answer: Deindustrialisation refers to the decline in the industrial sector of a country or region, often due to competition, technological changes, or policy shifts, leading to reduced manufacturing output and employment.

Answer: The Chambal Project is a major multipurpose river valley project on the Chambal River, jointly undertaken by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It includes the construction of the Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, and Jawahar Sagar Dam. The project provides irrigation to large areas in both states, generates hydroelectricity, and helps in flood control. It has significantly boosted agriculture and economic development in the region.

Answer: Social boycott is a practice where a community or group isolates an individual or family by refusing social interaction, trade, or services. Its effects include psychological trauma, economic hardship, loss of dignity, and social exclusion. It can also lead to migration and long-term damage to community harmony.

Answer: Constitutions are mainly of two types: (1) Written Constitution – a single document that contains all laws and principles, e.g., India, USA. (2) Unwritten Constitution – based on customs, traditions, and statutes, e.g., UK. Additionally, constitutions can be flexible (easy to amend) or rigid (difficult to amend).

Answer: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a great social reformer and educator. He contributed significantly to women's education, campaigned for widow remarriage, and worked to abolish child marriage. He also simplified the Bengali alphabet and promoted modern education. His efforts led to the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856.

Answer: (Map-based question – students should mark these states on an outline map of India. Punjab lies to the north, Gujarat to the southwest, Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, and Madhya Pradesh to the east of Rajasthan.)

Answer: The 1857 Revolution, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, had several causes:

• Political: Doctrine of Lapse, annexation of states, and disrespect to Mughal emperor.
• Economic: Heavy taxes, destruction of traditional industries, and economic exploitation.
• Social: Interference in social customs, missionary activities, and racial discrimination.
• Military: Greased cartridges issue (using cow and pig fat), low pay, and poor conditions for sepoys.
• Immediate: The introduction of Enfield rifles with greased cartridges sparked the revolt.

These factors combined led to widespread rebellion across northern and central India.

Answer: The results of the 1857 Revolution were significant:

• End of East India Company's rule; India came under direct British Crown (Queen Victoria).
• The British government took over administration (Government of India Act 1858).
• Reorganisation of the British Indian army to reduce Indian soldiers' proportion.
• Policy of divide and rule was strengthened.
• Promises of non-interference in religious and social matters.
• Increased racial bitterness and suspicion between British and Indians.
• It inspired future freedom struggles and nationalist movements.

Answer: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab. On Baisakhi day, a large unarmed crowd had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh to protest the arrest of leaders and the Rowlatt Act. General Dyer ordered troops to open fire without warning, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. The massacre shocked the nation and world, leading to widespread condemnation and strengthening the Indian independence movement.