Category: Social Science

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS [4 MARKS]

Q.1. How did French territory undergo changes due to the Treaty of Vienna in 1815?

Ans. Representatives of European powers, i.e. Austria, Britain, Russia and Prussia, met at Vienna in 1815 after having defeated Napoleon. The Austrian Chancellor Duke Metternich was the head of the Congress. Here the Treaty of Vienna of 1815 was drawn up to undo the changes after the Napoleonic wars. Thus the Bourbon dynasty, deposed during the French Revolution, was put back in power even as France lost the territories it had annexed under Napoleon. To prevent every future expansion of France, many states were set up on France’s boundaries. So the kingdom of Netherlands including Belgium came up in the north, while Genoa came together with Piedmont in the south. Prussia received some important new territories on its western frontiers. Austria gained control of northern Italy. The 39 states in the German Confederation as set up by Napoleon underwent no changes. In the east, Russia received a part of Poland and Prussia received a part of Saxony.

The objective was to restore the monarchies overthrown by Napoleon and create a new conservative order in Europe.

Q.2. Discuss the lives of the aristocrats and the new middle class in 19th century France.

Ans. In the 19th century Europe, the landed aristocracy dominated all social and political spheres. They were united by a common lifestyle. They owned huge estates in the countryside and some had large town houses too. Their spoken language was French, both in high society and in diplomatic circles. Most of the aristocratic families were connected by marriage. The aristocrats formed a small group but held a lot of power.

Peasantry comprised the larger group of the population. To the west, most of the land was farmed by small owners and tenants. In Eastern and Central Europe, the pattern of landholding was characterised by vast estates cultivated by serfs. In the western and some part of Central Europe industrial production and trade was on the rise and with them towns grew and the commercial classes emerged. Their existence was based on the production for the market.

Industrialisation took birth in England in the 1850s but France and Germany experienced it only during the 19th century. This caused emergence of new social groups — working class and middle class. The latter comprised industrialists, businessmen and professionals. These groups were not many in Central and Eastern Europe. So it was the liberal, educated middle-class which encouraged national unity after aristocratic privileges were abolished.

Q.3. What views did the conservatives hold?

Ans. Napoleon was defeated in 1815 and soon European governments adopted the idea of conservatism. The conservatives held the belief that established, traditional institutions of state and society like monarchy, church, social hierarchies, property and family must be protected and preserved. They never proposed a pre-revolutionary period to return to but they knew that as Napoleon had carried out changes, modernisation would in fact contribute to a strong monarchy. They believed that it would strengthen power of the state and make it much more effective. For them it was a firm belief that aristocratic monarchies of Europe would gain much from a modern army, an efficient bureaucracy, a dynamic economy, the abolition of feudalism and serfdom.

Q.4. Friedrich List, Professor of Economics at the University of Tubingen in Germany, wrote in 1834.

“The aim of the Zollverein is to bind the Germans economically into a nation. It will strengthen the nation materially as much by protecting its interests externally as by stimulating its internal productivity. It ought to awaken and raise national sentiment through a fusion of individual and provincial interests. The German people have realised that a free economic system is the only means to engender national feeling.”

Read the statement by Professor List and discuss what political ends he hoped, would be achieved by economic measures.

Ans. Professor List was sure that economic measures could result in certain political ends :

(i) A national economy binds the nation together. For example, Zollverein abolished tariff barriers. It also reduced the currencies from thirty to two. This economic union was joined by most of the German states and brought them together and created a national feeling.

(ii) It also promoted internal productivity, for example, to help trade growth, a network of railways was needed for increased mobility. This also brought people together.

(iii) Economic measures like the Zollverein also protected nation’s external interests (the use of common currency and abolishing of tariffs).

This fusion of individual and provincial interests aroused national sentiments in people.

Q.5. The French philosopher Ernst Renan (1823-92) outlined his understanding of what a nation is in this way :

“A nation is the result of a long past of endeavours, sacrifice and devotion. A heroic past, great men, glory, that is the social capital upon which one bases a national idea. To have common glories in the past, to have a common will in the present, to have performed great deeds together, to wish to perform still more, these are the essential conditions of being a people. A nation is therefore a large-scale solidarity … Its existence is a daily plebiscite … A province is its inhabitants; if anyone has the right to be consulted, it is the inhabitants. A nation never has any real interest in annexing or holding on to a country against its will. The existence of nations is a good thing, a necessity even. Their existence is a guarantee of

liberty, which would be lost if the world had only one law and only one master.”

(i) What, according to Renan, are the attributes of a nation?

(ii) Why does he think nations are important ?

(iii) How is his idea different from others? Do you agree with him?

Ans. (i) According to Renan, a nation must have people who have shared “a glorious past,” and have a desire, a will to perform deeds together for the glory of the country in the present and in the future also. There is unity, a solidarity. They belong to the nation and have to be consulted on any issue, they exercise their rights daily. A nation does not want to grab territories, it does not want to conquer any country or dominate it against the will of the people.

(ii) A nation is necessary because it guarantees freedom to every citizen. This liberty (individual) would be lost, if there was uniform law for everyone and only one ruler.

(iii) He differs from others as he does not believe that a nation speaks the same language, follows the same religion, belongs to the same race and occupies the same territory.

I agree with him. India is a nation made of different races, different religions, we speak different languages, follow different cultures. Yet, we have unity in diversity as we have a common past and a desire to live together.

Q.6. What is the significance of symbols given in this picture?

Ans. Each symbol has a meaning and a significance. (i) The broken chains represent freedom, freedom from slavery. (ii) The breast plate with eagle on it represents the German Empire and its strength (the eagle is a strong bird). (iii) The tricolour — black, red and gold — was the flag of liberal nationalists in 1848. It was banned by Dukes of the German states. A flag always unites people and arouses national feelings. (iv) The sword symbolises a readiness to fight. The German nation was ever ready to fight for its honour. (v) The crown of oak leaves stands for courage, bravery and heroism. (vi) The olive branch around the sword shows that Germans are as eager for peace as they are eager to fight. (vii) The rays of the rising sun symbolise the beginning of a new era as a united German nation.

Q.7. Read the two opinions about the role of women in societ

(a) What according to Carl Welcker is a woman’s function? Does he think women should be given equality and liberty.

(b) Louise Otto Peters asks a question in his article. What is the significance of his question? How does he define liberty?

Ans. (a) A woman, according to Carl Welcker, is weak, timid and needs protection of the strong, bold, free man. He confines the woman to the kitchen, home and children. He does not support equality and liberty for woman. A woman must remain subservient to a man.

(b) Louise Otto Peters is certainly a feminist. He wants to know whether men are prepared to fight for “freedom of the entire people, all human beings”?

His question is significant because though the men will unanimously answer “yes” but they are not ready to grant this freedom to women, who constitute half the population of the world.

For him Liberty is indivisible, it cannot be given to some and not to others. He certainly holds a totally different view from Carl Welcker, who is a male chauvinist!

Q.8. How was the history of nationalism in Britain unlike the rest of Europe?

[Textbook Question]

OR

How was the formation of the nation-state the result of a long-drawn-out process in Britain? Explain. [Outside Delhi 2008]

Ans. In Britain, the formation of the nation-state was not the result of a sudden upheaval or revolution. It was the result of a long-drawn-out process.

There was no British nation prior to the eighteenth century. All the ethnic groups had their own cultural and political traditions. But as the English nation steadily grew in wealth, importance and power, it extended influence over other nations of the island.

The English parliament, which had seized power from the monarchy in 1688 at the end of a protracted conflict, was the instrument through which a nation-state, with England at its centre, came to be forged. The Act of Union (1707) between England and Scotland that resulted in the formation of the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain’ meant, in effect, that England was able to impose its influence on Scotland. The British parliament was henceforth dominated by its English members. The growth of a British identity meant that Scotland’s distinctive culture and political institutions were systematically suppressed.

Ireland suffered a similar fate. It was a country deeply divided between Catholics and Protestants. The English helped the Protestants of Ireland to establish their dominance over a largely Catholic country. Catholic revolts against British dominance were suppressed.

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. Why was Balkans after 1871 the most serious source of nationalist tension in Europe.

Explain giving four reasons. [Foreign 2008, 2011(T-2)]

Ans. • The Balkan region comprised modern-day Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro, and its inhabitants were broadly called Slavs.

• With a large area of Balkan region under the Ottoman Empire, the spread of the ideas of romantic nationalism in the Balkans together with the breaking up of the Ottoman Empire made the situation even more serious.

• The Ottoman Empire had not been able to become strong even after reforms and modern methods after an effort of nearly 91.00 years. Gradually, most of the European subject nationalities broke away from the Ottoman Empire’s control to declare themselves independent.

• The claim for independence and political rights by the Balkan people was based on nationality. They gave examples of history to prove that they had once been independent but had subsequently been subjugated by foreign powers.

• Thus the rebellious nationalities in the Balkans thought of their struggles as attempts to win back their long lost independence.

• Soon various Slavic nationalities were struggling to define their identity and independence making Balkans region one having intense conflict.

• The internal rivalries and jealousies made the Balkan states distrust and fear each other.

• As the Balkans had become site for big power fights, the situation became even more serious. The fights were among the European powers who fought for trade and colonies and for naval and military powers.

• Russia, Germany, England and Austria-Hungary wanted to gain control of the Balkan region causing many wars which culminated in the First World War.

Q.2. Explain any four provisions of Napoleon’s Civil Code of 1804. [Delhi-2008]

State any three provisions of the Civial Code of 1804. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. Napoleon incorporated revolutionary principles in the administrative field to make the whole system more rational and effective. His civil code of 1804 was known as Napoleonic Code.

(i) First, he did away with all the privileges based on birth. Everyone became equal before the law. He abolished the feudal system and freed peasants from serfdom and manorial duties.

(ii) He secured the right to property.

(iii) Peasants, artisans, workers and new businessmen found a new-found freedom as guild restrictions were removed in towns also.

(iv) Uniform laws, standardised weights and measures, a common national currency facilitated the movement and exchange of goods and capital from one region to another.

Q.3. How was the Habsburg Empire a patchwork of many different regions and peoples in Europe? Explain. [Outside India-2008]

Ans. In the mid-eighteenth century Europe, there were no ‘nation-states’ as we know them today. Eastern and Central Europe were under autocratic monarchies, having people of diverse ethnic groups. The Habsburg Empire was one such example. It ruled over Austria-Hungary, a patchwork of many different regions and peoples. It included the Alpine regions — the Tayrol, Austria and Switzerland — as well as Bohemia, where the aristocracy was predominantly German-speaking. It also included Italian-speaking provinces of Lombardy and Venetia. In Hungary, half the population spoke Magyar, while the other half spoke a variety of dialects. In Galicia, the aristocracy spoke Polish. Besides these three dominant groups, there also lived within the territories a mass of subject peasant peoples — Bohemians, Slovaks to the north, Slovenes in Carinola, Croats to the south, the Roumans to the east in Transylvania. The only tie binding these diverse groups together was a common allegiance to the emperor.

Q.4. When did the first clear-cut expression of nationalism come in France? How did the French Revolution lead to the transfer of sovereignty from the monarchy to a body of French citizens? Explain any three measures taken by the French revolutionaries in this regard. [Outside Delhi-2008]

Ans. • The first clear-cut expression of nationalism came to France with the French Revolution of 1789.

• The French revolutionaries introduced various measures and practices which proclaimed that it was the people who would henceforth constitute the nation and shape its destiny.

(i) The ideas of la patrie (the fatherland) and le citoyen (the citizen) emphasised the notion of a united community enjoying equal rights under a constitution. A French flag, the tricolour, was chosen to replace the royal standard.

(ii) The Estates General was elected by the body of active citizens and renamed National Assembly.

(iii) A centralised administrative system was put in place and it formulated uniform laws for all its citizens.

Q.5. How has French artist, Frederic Sorrieu, visualised in his first print, of the series of four prints, his dream of a world made up of ’democratic and social republics’? Explain.

[Delhi-2008]

Describe Frederic Sorrieu’s utopian vision of the world as depicted in his painting in 1848. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. The French artist, Fredrick Sorrieu prepared a series of four prints visualising his dream of the world made up of ‘democratic and social republics’.

His First Print showed people of Europe and America – men and women of all ages and social classes – marching in a long train, and offering homage to the Statue of Liberty as they pass by it. Liberty is of course personified as a woman, bearing the torch of Enlightenment in one hand and the charter of the Rights of Man in the other. (The artists of this time of French Revolution portrayed Liberty as a female figure.) On the earth, in the foreground of the image, lay the shattered remains of the symbols of Absolute institutions. Leading the procession, way past the statue of Liberty, are the United States and Switzerland which were at that time already nation states. In his print of Sorrieu; people of the world are grouped together as distinct nations, identified through their flags and national costume. France, distinguished by its tricolour flag, has just reached the statue, and she is followed by Germany with their black and gold flag. (Germany was not yet united, but in 1848, when this painting was made, it expressed the hopes of the nation.) Peoples of Austria, kingdoms of two Sicilis, Lombardy, Poland, England, Ireland, Hungary and Russia follow in that order. From the heavens, Christ, saints and angels gaze upon the scene. They have been used to symbolise the fraternity among the nations of the world.

Q.6. Explain any four measures introduced by French revolutionaries to create a sense of collective identity among the people of France. [2009]

Ans. The French revolutionaries introduced various measures to create a sense of collective identity.

(i) The idea of la patrie (the fatherland) and le citoyen (the citizen) emphasised the idea of united community enjoying equal rights under a Constitution.

(ii) A new French flag, the tricolour, was chosen to replace the old royal standard.

(iii) The Estates General was elected by the body of active citizens and renamed the National Assembly.

(iv) New hymns were composed, oaths taken and martyrs commemorated in the name of the nation.

Q.7. Describe four stages of unification of Germany. [2010, 2011(T-2)]

Ans. (i) Nationalist feelings were widespread among middle-class Germans, who in 1848, tried to unite the different regions of the German confederation into a nation-state.

(ii) From then on, Prussia took on the leadership of the movement for national unification. Its chief minister (Chancellor) Otto von Bismarck, the architect of this process, carried it out, with the help of the Prussian army and bureaucracy.

(iii) Three wars were fought over a span of seven years against Austria, Denmark and France, which ended in Prussian victory and completed the process of unification.

(iv) In January 1871, the Prussian King William I was proclaimed German emperor in a ceremony held at Versailles. On 18 January, 1871, the new German empire headed by Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia was proclaimed.

Q.8. How did culture play an important role in creating the idea of a nation in Europe ? Explain with four examples. [2009, 2011(T-2)]

Ans. The feeling of nationalism was strengthened, developed and given encouragement by art, music, literature, drama. These played a big role in it. Their contribution was equal to the heroic battles fought by heroes.

(i) The Romantics like the German philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder believed that true German culture could be discovered only among the common people — das volk.

(ii) Language played a very important role in boosting nationalism. The Polish people opposed the Russian occupation and the ban on Polish language, by using it in the Churches for all religious ceremonies and for religious instruction. The Polish language became a weapon in the hands of the nationalists and no amount of Russian atrocities could stop them. Two Germans, Grimm Brothers, used stories and folktales written in German to promote the German spirit against the domination of the French. Grimm’s fairytales became instant classics.

(iii) Operas and music, like that of the Polish Karol Kurpinski, kept the national spirit alive.

(iv) Folk dances like the polonaise and mazurki became national symbols.

Q.9. Mention any two economic obstacles that the liberal nationalists wanted to overcome. In what way did the Zollverein customs union of 1834 try to overcome these shortcomings ? [2011(T-2)]

Ans. During the early nineteenth century, Europe were closely allied to the ideology of liberalism. In reference to economy this liberalism denotes freedom of market, less restrictions of state on the movement of goods and capitals. To get rid of these economic problems that was the main demand of the new emerged middle class.

Existence of countless small principalities, different currencies, number of customs barriers created obstacles to economic exchange and growth for the new commercial classes. To sort out that problem Prussia including with most of the German states formed a customs union or Zollverein in 1834.

The Zollverein abolished tariff barriers, reduced number of currencies, create network of railways for fast and heavy mobility. So a single solution for all these economic problems was known by the name of Zollverein.

Q.10. What is the significance of 1848 for France and the rest of Europe ? What did the liberals demand ? [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. With many revolts like revolts of the poor, unemployed workers and starving peasants during 1848 in Europe, educated middle class of France also started a revolution for the abdication of the monarch and a republic based on universal male suffrage had been proclaimed. In other parts of Europe, men and women of the liberal middle classes combined their demands for constitutionalism with national unification. They took advantage of the growing popular unrest to push their demands for the creation of a nation state on parliamentary principles — a constitution, freedom of press and freedom of association.

The issue of extending political rights to women was most controversial subject matter within the liberal movement in which large number of women had participated actively.

Q.11. How did the Greek War of Independence mobilise nationalist feeling among the educated elite across Europe ? Give four points. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. Greece was the part of Ottoman empire since the fifteenth century. The growth of revolutionary

nationalism in Europe motivated the Greeks to start a struggle for independence which began in 1821. Reaction of the struggle inspired the educated elite class of Europe and filled them with nationalistic feeling. Greece got support from other Greeks also residing at different countries. Poets and artists lauded Greece as the cradle of European civilisation and mobilised public opinion to support its struggle against a Muslim empire. One of the English poets Lord Byron organised fund and participated in the war. Finally, the day of joy came in 1832 and Greece recognised as an independent nation by the Treaty of Constantinople.

Q.12. “Till mid-eighteenth century there were no nation states in Europe.” Support the statement with four examples. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. During the mid-eighteenth century there were no nation states in Europe. Germany, Italy and Switzerland were ruled by different rulers with autonomous territories. Autocratic monarchies were there in eastern and central part of Europe. These areas were occupied by different peoples. They did not see themselves as sharing a collective identity or common culture. They spoke different languages and belonged to different ethnic groups, like the area of Austria -Hungary included the Alpine region the Tyrol. Sudetenland and Bohemia were dominated by German-speaking people. It also included the province of Lombardy and Venetia which had Italian speaking people. In Hungary, the half of the population spoke Magyar and the other half of the population spoke different dialects. In the part of Galicia the aristocratic class spoke Polish.

Besides these three dominant groups, a mass of subject peasant people like -Roumans to the east in Transylvania, Bohemians and Slovaks to the north, Slovenes in Carniola and the Croats to the south lived within the boundary. The only tie binding those different groups together was a common allegiance to the emperor.

Q.13. What was the main objective of the Treaty of Vienna of 1815 ? Mention any three important features of the treaty. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. The main objective of treaty of Vienna was to nullify all the changes that had come into existence during Napoleonic wars. The Bourbon dynasty restore its power which had been deposed during the French Revolution. To prevent the expansion of France in future, a number of states were set up on the boundaries of France. The kingdom of Netherland including Belgium was set up in the north and Genoa including Piedmont established in the south. Prussia was given important new territories on the western frontier, while Austria was given control of northern Italy. The German confederation of 39 states which was set up by Napoleon was left untouched. Prussia was given to Russia. The main intention was behind that set up was to restore the monarchies that had been overthrown by Napoleon and create a new conservative order in Europe.

Q.14. Describe any four features of the landed aristocracy class of European continent.

[2011 (T-2)]

Ans. European continent was dominated by the landed aristocratic class socially as well as politically. This landed aristocratic class were united by a common way of life that cut across regional divisions. They had their own estates and town houses in the countryside. By playing the game of diplomacy in her society they spoke French language. The families of landed aristocratic class got married within their own class. The occupation of majority population was agriculture. Europe was divided into two major parts on the basis of occupation. The

western part was served by tenants and small owners of land or small landlords. While in eastern and central Europe the pattern of landholding was characterised by vast estate which were cultivated by serfs.

Q.15. How was the Habsburg Empire a patchwork of many different regions and peoples in Europe ? Explain. [2011(T-2)]

Ans. The Habshurg Empire included the Alpine regions – the Tyrol, Austria, Sudentenland and Bohemia. It also included the Italian – speaking provinces of Lombardy and Venetia. In Hungary, half of the population spoke Magyar while other half spoke a variety of dialects. In Galicia, the aristocracy spoke polish. Besides, there also lived a mass of subject peasant peoples—Bohemians, slovaks, slovenes, croats, Roumans. The only tie binding these diverse groups together was a common allegiance to the emperor.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS [3 MARKS]

Q.1. What views did Giuseppe Mazzini have about Italy?

Ans. Mazzini believed that God had intended nations to be the natural units of mankind. So Italy could not continue to be a patchwork of small states and kingdoms. It had to be forged into a single unified republic within a wider alliance of nations. This unification from above could be the basis of Italian unity.

Q.2. What was the reaction to the Napoleonic Code?

Ans. Initially many people welcomed French armies as harbingers of liberty. But the initial enthusiasm soon turned to hostility, as it became clear that the new administrative arrangements did not go hand in hand with political freedom. Increased taxation, censorship, forced conscription into the French armies as required to conquer the rest of Europe, all seemed to outweigh the advantages of the administrative changes.

Q.3. What kind of life did the aristocrats lead?

Ans. Socially and politically, a landed aristocracy was the dominant class on the European continent. The members of this class were united by a common way of life that cut across regional divisions. They owned estates in the countryside and also town houses. They spoke French for purposes of diplomacy and in high society. Their families were often connected by ties of marriage. This powerful aristocracy was, however, a numerically small group.

Q.4. What was understood by the term ‘liberalism’?

Ans. The term ‘liberalism’ derives from the Latin root liber meaning free. For the new middle classes liberalism stood for freedom for the individual and equality of all before the law. Politically, it emphasised the concept of government by consent. Since the French Revolution, liberalism had stood for the end of autocracy and clerical privileges a constitution and representative government through parliament. Nineteenth century liberals also stressed the inviolability of private property.

Q.5. When and why was the Zollverein formed?

Ans. In 1834, a customs union or Zollverein was formed at the initiative of Prussia and joined by most of the German States. The union abolished tariff barriers and reduced the number of currencies from over thirty to two. The creation of a network of railways further stimulated mobility, harnessing economic interests to national unification. A wave of economic nationalism strengthened the wider nationalist sentiments growing at the time.

Q.6. How did the Treaty of Vienna (1815) come into being?

Ans. In 1815, representatives of the European powers — Britain, Russia, Prussia and Austria — who had collectively defeated Napoleon, met at Vienna to draw up a settlement for Europe. The Congress was hosted by the Austrian Chancellor Duke Metternich. The delegates drew up the Treaty of Vienna of 1815 with the object of undoing most of the changes that had come about in Europe during the Napoleonic wars.

Q.7. What was the nature of conservative regimes set up in 1815?

OR

Enumerate any three features of conservative regimes set up in Europe following the defeat of Napoleon in 1815. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. The conservative regimes set up in 1815 were autocratic. They did not tolerate criticism and dissent, and sought to curb activities that questioned the legitimacy of autocratic governments. Most of them imposed censorship laws to control what was said in newspapers, books, plays and songs and reflected ideas of liberty and freedom associated with the French revolution.

Q.8. What led to the rise of the revolutionaries?

Ans. During the years following 1815, the fear of repression drove many liberal nationalists underground. Secret societies sprang up in many European states to train revolutionaries

Q.2. What was the reaction to the Napoleonic Code?

Ans. Initially many people welcomed French armies as harbingers of liberty. But the initial enthusiasm soon turned to hostility, as it became clear that the new administrative arrangements did not go hand in hand with political freedom. Increased taxation, censorship, forced conscription into the French armies as required to conquer the rest of Europe, all seemed to outweigh the advantages of the administrative changes.

Q.3. What kind of life did the aristocrats lead?

Ans. Socially and politically, a landed aristocracy was the dominant class on the European continent. The members of this class were united by a common way of life that cut across regional divisions. They owned estates in the countryside and also town houses. They spoke French for purposes of diplomacy and in high society. Their families were often connected by ties of marriage. This powerful aristocracy was, however, a numerically small group.

Q.4. What was understood by the term ‘liberalism’?

Ans. The term ‘liberalism’ derives from the Latin root liber meaning free. For the new middle classes liberalism stood for freedom for the individual and equality of all before the law. Politically, it emphasised the concept of government by consent. Since the French Revolution, liberalism had stood for the end of autocracy and clerical privileges a constitution and representative government through parliament. Nineteenth century liberals also stressed the inviolability of private property.

Q.5. When and why was the Zollverein formed?

Ans. In 1834, a customs union or Zollverein was formed at the initiative of Prussia and joined by most of the German States. The union abolished tariff barriers and reduced the number of currencies from over thirty to two. The creation of a network of railways further stimulated mobility, harnessing economic interests to national unification. A wave of economic nationalism strengthened the wider nationalist sentiments growing at the time.

Q.6. How did the Treaty of Vienna (1815) come into being?

Ans. In 1815, representatives of the European powers — Britain, Russia, Prussia and Austria — who had collectively defeated Napoleon, met at Vienna to draw up a settlement for Europe. The Congress was hosted by the Austrian Chancellor Duke Metternich. The delegates drew up the Treaty of Vienna of 1815 with the object of undoing most of the changes that had come about in Europe during the Napoleonic wars.

Q.7. What was the nature of conservative regimes set up in 1815?

OR

Enumerate any three features of conservative regimes set up in Europe following the defeat of Napoleon in 1815. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. The conservative regimes set up in 1815 were autocratic. They did not tolerate criticism and dissent, and sought to curb activities that questioned the legitimacy of autocratic governments. Most of them imposed censorship laws to control what was said in newspapers, books, plays and songs and reflected ideas of liberty and freedom associated with the French revolution.

Q.8. What led to the rise of the revolutionaries?

Ans. During the years following 1815, the fear of repression drove many liberal nationalists underground. Secret societies sprang up in many European states to train revolutionaries

and spread their ideas. To be revolutionary at this time meant a commitment to oppose monarchical forms that had been established after the Vienna Congress, and to fight for liberty and freedom. Most of these revolutionaries also saw the creation of nation-states as a necessary part of this struggle for freedom.

Q.9. Write briefly about conditions in Europe in the 1870s.

Ans. • By the last quarter of the 19th century, nationalism did not have its idealistic liberal-democratic sentiment of the first half of the century.

• Nationalism had become a narrow creed with limited ends.

• Nationalist groups were no longer trusting, nor tolerant of each other.

• They were always at each other’s throats.

• The major European powers manipulated the nationalist aspirations of the subject people

in Europe to further their own imperialist aims.

Q.10. What has made the Balkan a source of nationalist tension?

Ans. • The most serious source of nationalist tension in Europe after 1871 was the area called the Balkans.

• The region had geographical and ethnic varieties.

• The Balkans included Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro.

• The inhabitants of the Balkan regions were called Slavs.

• Most of the Balkan region was under Ottoman rule.

• The spread of the ideas of romantic nationalism in the Balkans together with the

disintegration of the Ottoman Empire made this region very explosive.

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. Explain liberalism in political and economic fields prevailing in Europe in the 19th century. [2008]

Ans. Politically, liberalism stood for (i) Constitution; (ii) a representative government ruling by consent; (iii) a parliamentary system and; (iv) ownership of private property; (v) end of the privileges of aristocracy. Drawback over that it did not grant equal rights to men and women, women had to struggle for their political rights.

Economically, liberalism stood for (i) Freedom of markets; (ii) End of state restrictions on movement of goods and capital; (iii) A customs union or Zollverein was formed by Prussia in 1834, which many German states joined (iv) This union reduced the number of currencies from over thirty to two and abolished tariff barriers; (v) A network of railways led to great mobility and gave an impetus to national unity. It boosted economic nationalism.

Q.2. How did Romanticism seek to develop a particular form of nationalist sentiment during 18th century ? Explain. [2009, 2011(T-2)]

OR

“Culture played an important role in creating the idea of the nation in Europe.” Support the statement with examples. [2010]

Ans. Romanticism criticised glorification of reason and science and focussed instead on emotions,

intuitions and mystical feelings. The poets and romantic artists tried to create a sense of shared collective heritage, a common cultural past, as the basis of nationalism.

Some Romantics, like the German philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder, tried through folk songs, folk poetry and folk dances to popularise the true spirit of the nation. The Polish artist, Karol Kurpinski encouraged National Struggle through his operas and music, turning folk dances like the ‘polonaise’ and ‘mazurka’ into national symbols. Language also played an important role in developing nationalist feelings. The Grimm Brothers promoted German language to oppose French domination through their collection of folk tales. The Polish used language as a weapon against Russian domination.

Q.3. In which year was the unification of Italy completed ? Mention two features of the unification movement. [2011(T-2)]

Ans. Unification of Italy took place in 1860. Despite formidable hurdles which beset the path of unification of Italy, the feeling of liberty, equality and patriotism could not remain suppressed among Italians for a long time. Some patriots, supporters of democracy, writers, philosophers and many secret institutions resolved to launch a combined struggle to achieve liberty and liberalism for Italy.

Q.4. Why were 1830s called the years of great economic hardship in Europe ? Give any three reasons. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. The 1830’s called the year of great economic hardship in Europe. During the first half of the nineteenth century there was enormous growth of population required good amount of jobs. By the rise of population, unemployment also increased. The job seekers or unemployed people migrated from villages to cities for earning bread. The conditions of towns were also worse because of heavy production and cheap rates products of England (it happened because of industrial revolution of England).

In agriculture, the peasants were suffered because of less agrarian facilities and high inflation. The rise of food prices or a year of bad harvest led to widespread poverty.

Q.5. Explain any three reasons for the nationalist upsurge in the 19th century Europe.

[2011 (T-2)]

Ans. War and territorial expansion definitely helped to create the environment of nationalism but cultural movement gave momentum to this feeling. The glorification of reason and science by the romantic artists and poets create a sense of shared collective heritage a common cultural past, as the basis of a nation. At the same time folk songs, folk poetry and folk dances promoted the spirit of the nation. Vernacular language is one of the important aspects which grows the feeling of nationalism.

Q.6. Explain the role of language in developing the nationalist sentiments in Europe.

[2011 (T-2)]

Ans. At that time most of the people were illiterate. They were able to understand only vernacular regional or simple language. That is why use of the vernacular or regional language easily carry out the modern nationalist message to the large audience easily.

Nationalist sentiment also attached with local language. The message conveyed in vernacular language affect powerfully. Folk lore, folk tales and the activities concerned with vernacular language gave the feeling of nationalism and tied the people by the thread of national love and honour.

Q.7. “Italy had a long history of political fragmentation”. Support the statement by giving any three points. [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. Italians were scattered over several dynastic states as well as the multinational Habsburg Empire. During the middle of the 19th century, Italy was divided into seven states, of which only one state – Sardinia – Piedmont – was ruled by an Italian princely house. The north was under Austrian Habsburgs, the centre was ruled by the Pope and the southern regions were under the domination of the Bourbon kings of Spain. Even the Italian language had many regional and local variations.

Q.8. Explain how Ireland got incorporated into the United Kingdom in 1801 ? What were the symbols of this new British nation ? [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. The population of Ireland was divided into two categories – Catholics and Protestants. The Britishers helped the Protestants to dominate the large Catholic population. Catholics opposed that suppression under the leadership of Wolfe Tone and his United Irishmen but they were failed. At last, Ireland was forcibly incorporated into the United Kingdom in 1801. The symbols of new Britain Kingdom (Nation) was – the British flag, i.e., Union Jack, the national anthem, i.e., God Save the King, and the English language were actively promoted. Finally the Irish people were forced to live as subordinate in their own country.

MULTIPLE CHOICE 

Q.1. The first clear expression of Nationalism in Europe came with :
(a) The American Revolution
(b) The French Revolution
(c) The Russian Revolution
(d) The Industrial Revolution Ans. (b)
Q.2. Nationalism brought about in Europe the emergence of :
(a) The Nation State
(b) The Modern State
(c) Multinational Dynastic State
(d) Alliances formed among many European states
Ans. (a)
Q.3. Frederic Serrieu, a French artist, in his series of four prints (1848) visualised his dream of a world as :
(a) A world made up of ‘democratic and social republics’
(b) A world made up of one nation, one world
(c) A world with one absolute ruler
(d) A world following one religion, one language
Ans. (a)QUESTIONS [1 MARK]
Q.4. The ideas of a United Community enjoying equal rights under a Constitution were expressed by the French as :
(a) La Patrie (b) Le Citoyen
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above Ans. (c)
Q.5. The Civil Code of 1804, also known as the Napoleonic Code, established :
(a) Equality before the law
(b) Secured the right to property
(c) Did away with all the privileges based on birth
(d) All the above Ans. (d)
Q.6. What kind of political and constitutional change was brought about by the French Revolution?
(a) It ended the absolute monarchy
(b) It transferred power to a body of the French citizens
(c) It proclaimed that henceforth people would constitute the nation and shape its destiny
(d) All the above

Ans. (D)

Q.7. Name one kind of revolt that started inQ.7. Name one kind of revolt that started in
Europe in 1848.
(a) Linguistic Revolt in Germany
(b) Artisans, industrial workers and peasants revolted against economic hardships
(c) Revolt against monarchy in Switzerland
(d) Revolt for freedom in Greece
Ans. (b)
Q.8. Socially and politically dominant class
in Europe during mid-eighteenth
century was_ .
(a) The Nobility (b) The landed aristocracy (c) The Church (d) The absolute monarchs
Ans. (a)
Q.9. The denial of universal suffrage in
Europe, led to_.
(a) Revolutions
(b) Women and non-propertied men organising opposition movements, demanding equal rights throughout 19th and early 20th centuries
(c) Demand of equal political rights
(d) Return of monarchy
Ans. (b)
Q.10. In politics, liberalism emphasised(a) End of autocracy and clerical privileges, a constitution and a representative government through Parliament
(b) The inviolability of private property
(c) The right to vote
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Ans. (d)
Q.11. Friedrich List, a German professor of Economics, hoped to achieve two political ends through economic measures. They were_.(a) Increase in power in Europe
(b) Binding Germans economically into a nation
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Awakening national sentiment through a free economic system
Ans. (c)
Q.12. Which new spirit guided European nations after Napoleon’s defeat?
(a) Fascism (b) Conservatism
(c) Nazism (d) Communism
Ans. (b)
Q.13. All the new regimes, set up in 1815, were autocratic because :
(a) They did not tolerate criticism and dissent
(b) They imposed censorship laws to control what was said in newspapers, plays, songs etc.
(c) They curbed activities which questioned their legitimacy
(d) All the above
Ans. (d)
Q.14. Repression of liberal revolutionaries after 1815, in Europe, led to
(a) Armies being trained by revolutionaries
(b) All revolutionaries trained to overthrow monarchy
(c) Secret societies being formed in many European states to train revolutionaries and spread their ideas
(d) All the above
Ans. (c)
Q.15. The three leaders who helped unification of Italy were :
(a) Giuseppe Mazzini, Victor Emmanuel II, Cavour
(b) Giuseppe Mazzini, Cavour, Giuseppe Garibaldi
(c) Victor Emmanuel, Bismarck, Cavour
(d) None of the above
Ans. (b)

Q.16. In the 19th century, the French artists symbolised the French nation as :Q.16. In the 19th century, the French artists symbolised the French nation as :
(a) Marianne, a popular Christian name for women
(b) Marianne, a female figure, with a red cap, the tricolour and the cockade
(c) As a female named Marianne, with characteristics of liberty (a red cap, a broken chair) and the Republic (the red cap, tricolour and the cockade)
(d) All the above Ans. (c)
Q.17. The revolutions of 1830 and 1848 AD were led by :
(a) Liberal nationalists belonging to the aristocratic class
(b) The peasants
(c) Liberal nationalists belonging to the educated middle class elite, consisting of professors, school teachers, clubs and members of the commercial middle class
(d) All the above Ans. (c)
Q.18. The Nationalist Greeks got the support of the West European nations because :
(a) They were fighting against the Muslim Ottoman Empire
(b) They had sympathies for ancient Greek culture
(c) Greece was considered the cradle of European civilisation
(d) All the above Ans. (d)
Q.19. Cavour’s contribution to Italian unification was :
(a) Diplomatic alliance with the enemies of Austria
(b) War with Austrians and Bourbons.
(c) Diplomatic alliance with France in 1859 and strengthening Sardinia and Piedmont
(d) Defeated the Bourbon kings Ans. (c)Q.20. Who was Giuseppe Mazzini? When and where he was born?
(a) Giueseppe Mazzini was an Italian revolutionary, born in Rome in 1810
(b) Giuseppe Mazzini was an Italian, born in Genoa, in 1807
(c) Giuseppe Mazzini was a Corsican, born in Genoa in 1807
(d) Giuseppe Mazzini was a famous Italian painter, born in Genoa in 1810
Ans. (b)
Q.21. The purpose behind the painting “The Massacre at Chios” by Eugene Delacroix, 1824, was :
(a) To appeal to the emotions of the spectators and create sympathy for the Greeks
(b) To dramatise the incident in which 20,000 Greeks were killed
(c) To focus on the suffering of women and children
(d) All the above
Ans. (d)
Q.22. The aim of Romanticism, a cultural movement, was :
(a) To create a sense of shared collective heritage, a common cultural past, as the basis of the nation
(b) Glorification of science and reason
(c) To focus on emotions, intuitions and mystical feeling
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Ans. (d)
Q.23. German philosopher Johann Gotfried Herder claimed that true German culture was discovered through
(a) Folk songs, folk poetry, folk dances
(b) Common people — das volk
(c) Vernacular language
(d) All the above
Ans. (d)

Q.24. In France, 1848 was a year when :Q.24. In France, 1848 was a year when :
(a) Louis Philippe of France was dethroned, and France declared a Republic
(b) Suffrage to all males above 21 was given and the right to work guaranteed
(c) Food shortages, widespread unemployement led to a revolt in Paris
(d) All the above
Ans. (d)
Q.25. The weavers of Silesia revolted in 1845
against contractors because :
(a) The contractors who gave them orders drastically reduced their payments.
(b) The contractors took advantage of their misery and desperate need for jobs.
(c) Both A and B.
(d) The contractors had killed eleven weavers.
Ans. (c)
Q.26. A ‘Feminist’ is :
(a) A person aware of women’s rights and believes in the social, political and economic equality of women
(b) A person who believes that women are the weaker sex
(c) A person who believes that gender equality would destroy the dignity of the family and endanger harmony
(d) A person ready to give social equality but not political or economic equality
Ans. (a)
Q.27. How was the process of German
unification completed and who was
proclaimed the ruler?
(a) After many wars, Kaiser William became the ruler
(b) After 3 wars fought over 7 years with Austria, Denmark and France, Kaiser William I became the ruler of a unified Germany.(c) The Germans defeated the Habsburg Empire and made Kaiser William I the ruler
(d) Otto von Bismarck became the ruler after defeating France
Ans. (b)
Q.28. Garibaldi contributed to the Italian unification by :
(a) Declaring Victor Emmanuel as the king of united Italy in 1860
(b) Conquering Papal states in 1860.
(c) Conquering two Sicilies and South Italy in 1860.
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Ans. (d)
Q.29. Some historians consider Great Britain as a model of the nation state because :
(a) It was created after a long-drawn-out wars and political struggle
(b) It became a nation-state after forcing Scotland, Wales and Ireland to submit to it.
(c) It was not the result of a sudden upheaval or revolution, but the result of a long-drawn-out process.
(d) All the above
Ans. (c)
Q.30. Under the British dominance, Scotland suffered because of :
(a) Systematic suppression of its cultural and political institutions
(b) The Catholics of Scottish Highlands were ruthlessly suppressed and lost independence
(c) Denial to speak their Gaelic language or wear their national dress
(d) All the above
Ans. (d)
Q.31. Ireland suffered under the British, because :
(a) The English helped the Protestants in Ireland to dominate the Catholics who were in a majority

(b) Catholics’ revolts against the British were suppressed.(b) Catholics’ revolts against the British were suppressed.
(c) Ireland was forcibly incorporated into the United Kingdom in 1801, after the failure of Wolfe Tone revolt in 1798
(d) All the above Ans. (d)
Q.32. The symbols of the new ‘British nation’ were :
(a) The British flag (Union Jack) and the British national anthem (God Save the King).
(b) The English language and domination of English culture
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Subordination of the older nations Ans. (c)
Q.33. The artists of the 18th and 19th centuries personified a nation as :
(a) A particular woman to represent the nation
(b) A female figure
(c) A female figure as an allegory, to represent an abstract idea of a nation in concrete form
(d) All the above Ans. (c)
Q.34. Who painted ‘Germania’ and for what occasion?
(a) Artist Phillip Veit painted it to celebrate the unification of Germany
(b) Phillip Veit painted it to hang from the ceiling of St Paul’s where the Frankfurt Parliament was held in 1848.
(c) Phillip Veit painted it to celebrate Bismarck’s victory
(d) All the above Ans. (b)
Q.35. Phillip Veit used the following in his painting as symbols (i) Broken chains,
(ii) Sword (iii) Olive branch round thesword and (iv) Rays of the rising sun. They symbolised :
(a) (i) Heroism, (ii) readiness to fight (iii) strength (iv) hope
(b) (i) Freedom (ii) strength
(iii) readiness to fight
(iv) Beginning of a new era
(c) (i) Freedom (ii) readiness to fight
(iii) willingness to make peace
(iv) beginning of a new era
(d) (i) Heroism (ii) courage
(iii) readiness to fight (iv) hope
Ans. (c)
Q.36. A map celebrating the British Empire depict British domination of the world as :
(a) Britannia (symbol of British nation) sitting triumphantly over the globe
(b) Britannia surrounded by tigers, elephants, forests symbolising the colonies
(c) Angels carrying banner of freedom
(d) Through pictures of primitive people Ans. (a)
Q.37. The power struggle in Europe by the big powers (late 19th century) led to :
(a) A series of wars in the region and finally the First World War in 1914
(b) Opposition to imperial domination in the colonies
(c) The idea that societies should be organised into nation states
(d) All the above Ans. (d)
Q.38. The most serious source of nationalist tension in Europe after 1871 was :
(a) Area called the Austro-Hungary
(b) Area under the Prussians
(c) Area called the Balkans
(d) Area under the Russians Ans. (c)
Q.39. The big power rivalry in the late 19th century was over :
(a) Trade and colonies

(b) Naval supremacy and military might(b) Naval supremacy and military might
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Territories and naval might Ans. (c)
Q.40. Nationalism lost its liberal democratic sentiment in the last quarter of the 19th century, because :
(a) Major European powers manipulated nationalist sentiments of the people to further their own imperialistic designs
(b) Nationalist groups had become intolerant of each other
(c) Nationalism had become a narrow creed with limited ends
(d) All the above Ans. (d)

Ans. (d)

CONCEPT

SECTION A — THE FRENCH REVOLUTION AND THE IDEA OF A NATION, AND
MAKING OF NATIONALISM IN EUROPE
• The first clear expression of nationalism came with the French Revolution in 1789.
• The French Revolution proclaimed that it was the people who would henceforth constitute the nation and shape its destiny.
• The revolutionary ideas spread in Europe after the outbreak of revolutionary wars and the rule of Napoleon.
• In early nineteenth century Europe, national unity was allied to the ideology of Liberalism.
• After the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, European governments were driven by a spirit of Conservatism, which led to repression and drove people to oppose monarchical governments.
• Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian revolutionary, set up ‘Young Italy’ in Marseilles (France) and ‘Young Europe’ in Berne (Switzerland).
• Mazzini was described as ‘the most dangerous enemy of our social order’, by Metternich, the Austrian Chancellor, who hosted the Vienna Congress.

SECTION B — THE AGE OF REVOLUTION (1830-1848) AND THE UNIFICATION OF GERMANY AND ITALY
• Liberalism and nationalism became associated with revolution in many regions of Europe such as the Italian and German states, the provinces of the Ottoman Empire, Ireland and Poland.
• The first upheaval took place in France, in July 1830.
• Thr Greek War of Independence was another event which mobilised nationalist feelings among the educated elite in Europe.
• Culture played an important role in creating the idea of the nation. Art and poetry, stories, music helped express and shape nationalist feelings.
• Romanticism was a cultural movement which sought to develop a particular form of nationalist sentiment.
• Language too played an important role in developing nationalist sentiments.
• The 1830s saw a rise in prices, bad harvest, poverty in Europe. Besides the poor, unemployed and starving peasants, even educated middle classes, revolted.
• In 1848, an all-German National Assembly was voted for in Frankfurt.
• The issue of extending political rights to women became a controversial one.
• Conservative forces were able to suppress liberal movements in 1848, but could not restore the old order.
• After 1848, nationalism in Europe moved away from its association with democracy and revolution.

• In 1848, Germans tried to unite into a nation-state.
• Prussia took the lead under its Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck. Three wars over seven years with Austria, Denmark and France ended in victory for Prussia and a unified Germany.
• In January 1871, Prussian king, William I, was proclaimed German Emperor at a ceremony at Versailles.
• Italy was fragmented, before unification it was a part of the multinational Habsburg Empire in the north, centre under the Pope and the south under the Bourbon kings of Spain.
• Three Men – Giuseppe Mazzini, Chief Minister Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi played a leading role in unifying Italy during the 1830s.
• In 1861, Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed the king of united Italy.
• In Britain, the formation of the nation state was not the result of a sudden upheaval but was the result of a long-drawn-out process.
• The Act of Union (1707) – united Scotland and England and “the United Kingdom of Great Britain” was formed.
• Ireland was forcibly incorporated into the United Kingdom in 1801. A new British nation was forged.

SECTION C — VISUALISING THE NATION : NATIONALISM AND IMPERIALISM
• People and artists in the 18th and 19th centuries personified a nation.
• In France, Marianne became the allegory of the French nation, while Germania became the allegory of the German nation.
• By the 1870s nationalism no longer retained its idealistic liberal democratic sentiment but became a narrow creed with limited ends.
• The major European powers, manipulated the nationalist aspirations of the subject peoples in Europe to further their own imperialist aims.
• People everywhere developed their own specific variety of nationalism.
• The idea that societies should be organised into nation-states came to be accepted as natural and universal.

1. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (4 MARKS)

 What is the difference between PDS and TPDS? Ans. Difference between PDS and TPDS   :

The food procured by the FCI is distributed through fair price shops among the poor.

This is called public distribution system. There was no discrimination between the poor and  non poor under PDS. Under the TPDS, the government has announced separate issue prices   for people below poverty line (BPL) and for above poverty line (APL) families. In December 2000, two special schemes were launched to make the TPDS more focussed and targeted towards the poor. These were Antyodayo Anna Yojana (AAY) and the Annapurna Scheme (APS). The two schemes were linked with   TPDS.

Under the AAY, poor families were identified by the respective state rural development boards. Twenty-five kilograms of foodgrains were made available to each eligible family at highly subsidised rate of Rs 2 per kg for wheat and Rs 3 per kg for rice. This quantity has been raised from 25 to 35 kg with effect from April    2002.

 Discuss the role of government in the stabilisation of food grain prices. Ans. Government’s Measures to Stabilise foodgrain    prices.

Our government has adopted the following measures to stabilise food grain prices.

• The government has often resorted to

  importof foodgrains whenever it became necessary. For example, it entered into the PL 480 agreement with

  USAin 1956 to import food grain to face food crisis in the

• It tries to maintain price stability through buffer stocks. It buys foodgrains during crop season when prices fall and

  sellthem when prices tend to rise in times of shortage. Had the government not purchased the food grains, their prices might have fallen due to increased supply in the market. Similarly, in the times of shortage, when these foodgrains are supplied to the consumers at subsidised prices, their prices do not rise

       Explain briefly the measures undertaken by the government to increase the production and supply of  foodgrains.

Ans. Government’s measures to increase the production and supply of foodgrains

Main steps undertaken by the government in this regard are as follows :

• Land Reform Measures : Our government introduced several land reform measures soon after independence to increase domestic production of These measures included (i) abolition of intermediaries to transfer land to the actual tiller (ii) tenancy reforms to regulate rents paid by the tenants to the landlords (iii) imposition of ceiling on landholdings to procure surplus land for distribution among the landless.
• Provision of Institutional Credit. To provide cheap and adequate agricultural finance many institutional credit agencies were set up. The expansion of institutional credit to farmers were made especially through cooperatives and commercial banks. As a result, the importance of village moneylenders, who used to exploit the farmers by charging high rates of interest, has drastically declined. Initially, only four percent of the total agricultural credit was advanced by cooperatives and commercial banks in 1950-51. Now their percentage share rose to 89 percent in 2004-05.

• New Agricultural New agricultural strategy was introduced which resulted in the Green Revolution, especially in the production of wheat and rice. Total production of foodgrain has increased from 50.8 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 212.0 million tonnes in 2003-04.

Explain the paradox of excess stocks of food grains and starvation. Ans. Paradox of Excess Stocks and    Starvation.

India has experienced a paradoxical situation in recent years. While the granaries of the government are overflowing with excess foodgrain stock, we also find people without food. We, in India, find widespread hunger even when we have excess stock of foodgrains. The main reason for this unfortunate situation is that many poor families do not have enough purchasing power (i.e. money income) to buy food. Over one-fifth of the country’s population suffers from chronic hunger. They have to go to their beds with empty stomach. A good food security network, therefore, should not only ensure adequate physical availability of food but also increase the capabilities of the poor to buy food.

To tackle this unfortunate situation, our government has launched several special poverty alleviation programmes. These programmes aim at increasing income of the poor so as to enable them to buy  food.

• Point out the major defects of India’s food security system. Ans. Defects of India’s Food Security

  System  :

The major flaws/drawbacks of food security system in India are as follows :

• Limited Benefit to the

  Thepoor has not benefited much from the PDS. They have depended to a great extent on the open market for most of the commodities. Ration cards are issued only to those households who have proper residential addresses. Hence, a large number of homeless poor could not be covered under the PDS.

• Leakages from Another defect of PDS relates to the problem of leakages of goods from PDS to open market. The shopkeepers who are running ration shops sell ration in the open market at higher prices instead of selling to ration card-holders at subsidised prices.
• Increase in Prices. The PDS has also failed to protect the poor against price rise. There have been frequent increases in procurement and issue prices. Moreover, excessive buffer stocks of foodgrains

  hasreduced its quantity available in the open market. This has also put an upward pressure on the market prices of food

• Rising Burden of Food Subsidy. PDS is highly subsidised in India. This has put a huge fiscal burden on the government. For example, food subsidy burden has risen from Rs 602 crore in 1980-81 to Rs 25,800 crore in 2003-04.

• What are the major functions of the Food Corporation of India? [2011 (T-2)] The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has the following major

  functions :-

  • FCI purchases wheat and rice from the farmers in states where there is surplus
  • They announce Minimum Support Price (MSP) on which government buy the surplus from the
  • They keep the record and

    mantainthe buffer

• Describe four main advantages of the Public Distribution                  [2011 (T-2)] Ans. The main advantages of Public Distribution System

  are :-

  • It is the most effective instrument of government policy over the years in stabilising prices and making food available to consumers at affordable
  • It averts widespread hunger and famine by supplying food from surplus regions of the country to the deficit
  • It revises the prices of food grains in favour of poor
  • The declaration of minimum support price and procurement has contributed to an increase in food grains production and provided income security to farmers in certain
• How does PDS ensure food security in India?                                    [2011 (T-2)] Ans. PDS or public distribution system distribute the food grains by the help of ration shops among the poorer sections of the society. Presently there

  are4.6 lakh ration shops all over the country. Ration shops

  also knownas fair price shops who keep the stock of foodgrains, sugar and cooking kerosene oil. These items are sold to people at a price lower than the market price.

Any family with a ration card can buy a stipulated amount of these items (e.g. 35 kg of grains,  5 litres of kerosene, 5 kgs of sugar etc.) every month from the ration shop. PDS keeps on revising the prices in favour of urban    poors.

     What are the problems of the functioning of the ration shops? Describe any four of them.

[2011 (T-2)]

Ans. The problems of the functioning of the ration shops are :-

• Irregular opening of ration shops and selling poor quality grains at ration
• Massive unsold foodgrains that

  pilesup at ration shops become a big problem for

• A family even slightly above poverty line gets very little discounts at ration shop. The prices are almost as high as open market
• The category of ration cards and range of prices do not exist

         Describe in four points your awareness about National Food for Work Programme.

[2011 (T-2)]

Ans. (i) National Food for Work Programme was launched on November 14, 2004 in 150 most backward districts of the  country.

• The programme is open to all rural poor who are in need of wage employment and desire to do manual unskilled
• It is a 100 percent centrally-sponsored scheme and the food grains are provided to states free of
• For

  year2004-05, Rs 2020 crores have been allocated for the programme in addition to 20 lakh tonnes of food

         Explain how Green Revolution helped India to be self-sufficient in food grain production.

[2011 (T-2)]

Ans. Green Revolution was a policy adopted by Indian policy makers for the growth in production  of wheat and rice. HYV seeds were introduced and there was massive increase in production  of wheat and rice. The increase in foodgrains was, however, disproportionate. The highest rate of growth was achieved in Punjab and Haryana, where foodgrain production jumped from 7.23

million tonnes in 1964-65 to reach an all-time high of 30.33 million tonnes in 1995-96. Production of rice was recorded to rise significantly in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

(Production of foodgrains in India) (Source : Economic Survey  2004-05)

         Write a note on the role of cooperatives in providing food and related items.

[2011 (T-2)]

Ans. The cooperatives also play an important role in food security in India, especially in southern and western parts of the   country.

• They set up shops to sell low price goods to poor people. For example, Mother Dairy in Delhi sells milk and vegetables to consumers at controlled rates decided by the Government of
• Cooperatives like Academy of Development Science (ADS) has facilitated a network of NGOs for setting up grain banks. ADS works in Maharashtra. They also organise training and capacity building programmes on food security for NGOs. The ADS grain bank programme is

  acknolwledgedas a successful and

  innonativefood security

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 MARKS)

• What are the essentials  of  food  security  system? Ans. Essentials of Food Security System are the following :
  1. Increasing domestic production of food to meet its growing demand
  2. Food should be available in adequate quantity as well as to meet nutritional  requirements
  3. Food should be available at reasonable  prices
  4. Buffer stock of food should be  maintained

How is food security affected during a natural calamity?

Ans. In the times of any natural calamity, say a drought, total production of foodgrains declines. It creates a shortage of food, particularly in the affected areas. Due to shortage of food, the prices go up in the market. At high prices, poor people may not afford to buy food. If such a calamity occurs in a large area, it may lead to starvation.

• Why is there need for self-sufficiency in food grains in India? Ans. Need for self-sufficiency  in foodgrains  arises from  the following :

• to feed  growing population
• to fight against any natural  calamity
• to reduce import of foodgrains
• to control prices of foodgrains

The task of attaining self-sufficiency in foodgrains in future seems to be difficult. Give two reasons in support of this    statement.

Ans.  The task of attaining self-sufficiency in foodgrains in future seems to be difficult in India. It    is  because :

• There has been a gradual shift from cultivation of food crops to cultivation of fruits, vegetables, oil seeds and crops which act as industrial raw
• More and more land is being used for construction of factories, residential buildings,

                                                                                                                                                                                         Mention  two  objectives of PDS.                                                                                                                  [Important] Ans. Two  Objectives of  PDS.

• To provide essential goods at subsidised prices to the
• To control prices of essential

Why is procurement of foodgrains done in    India?

Ans. The government procures foodgrains at pre-announced prices to provide incentives to farmers for raising the production of crops. The food procured by the government is distributed among the poorer section of the society through fair price shops at subsidised prices.

Mention two reasons behind excessive buffer stocks of foodgrains. Ans. Two  Reasons for Excessive Buffer Stock   :

• There has been increase in minimum support
• The offtake of foodgrains under PDS has been

State two consequences of the excess reserves of food grains in India. Ans. Two  Consequences of Excessive Buffer Stock   :

• It has raised economic costs i.e. cost incurring for procuring, storing and distribution of foodgrains.
• It has  adversely affected the food grain

 Mention two measures undertaken by the government to reduce the stock of foodgrains. Ans. Measures to Reduce Buffer   Stock.

• Open sale at prices much below the economic
• Increase in BPL allocation from 28 kg to 35 kg per month per

What is the Public   Distribution System?                                                     [CBSE 2010] Ans. Public Distribution  System

The Food Corporation of India procures food at pre-announced prices. The state governments distribute foodgrains to poor through ration shops at subsidised prices fixed by the government. This is called the Public Distribution System. There are about 4.6 lakh ration shops all over    the country. Ration shops are also known as fair price shops.

How cooperatives are helpful in   food security?                                        [CBSE 2010] Ans. Role of cooperatives in providing food security    :

In many parts of India, the cooperative societies set up their own cooperatives to supply different items at cheaper rates. Following are the examples :

• In Tamil Nadu 94% of ration shops are run by
• In Delhi, the Mother Dairy is supplying milk and milk products like butter, ghee etc. to  the people at much subsidised
• In Gujarat, Amul is doing the same job of supplying milk and milk products to people at much cheaper

It is being run by cooperatives. It has brought ‘White Revolution’ in India.

Why is food security essential? How food security is affected during disaster?

[CBSE 2010]

Ans. Need of food security : The poorest section of the society might be food-insecure most of the times, while persons above poverty lines might also be food insecure when the country faces national disaster. Due to natural calamity, say drought, total production of foodgrain decreases. It creates a shortage of food in affected areas. Due to shortage of food, the prices go up. At higher prices, some people cannot buy food. So food security is essential.

State  three dimensions of  food security.                                                     [CBSE 2010] Ans. Three dimensions of food security   :

• Availability of food : There should be enough stocks of food items in the country through good production, through imports or previous year’s stock stored in government
• Accessibility of food : Food should be within the reach of
• Affordability of food : The prices of different food articles should be such that every individual is able to buy them. The foodgrain items should be within the reach of the

         Why has Public Distribution System been criticised? Explain any three reasons.

[CBSE 2010]

Ans.   (i)  Market ineffectiveness of PDS : Average  consumption of PDS grain at all India   level   is only 1 kg per person per month. Average consumption figure in the states of Bihar, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh is only 300 gms, while in states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil  Nadu this figure is 3-4 kg per person per month. As a result, the poor has to depend on markets rather than ration   shops.

• With the introduction of three types of cards and three different prices for the same articles to the different people, the whole system of Public Distribution System has become much complicated.
• PDS dealers malpractices : The ration shop dealers resort to malpractices. They divert the grains to the open market to get a better

What is the difference between chronic and seasonal hunger? Write any two.

[CBSE 2010]

Ans. Chronic Hunger : When diet is inadequate in terms of quantity or quality, it is called chronic hunger. Usually poor people suffer from chronic hunger because of their low income and as      a result their inability to buy food even for their survival. This type of hunger is more or less   of a permanent nature and presents throughout the year.

Seasonal Hunger : Seasonal hunger persists only during a particular period of the season. It    is linked with the cycles of food growing and harvesting. In rural areas, the seasonal hunger     is prevalent because of the seasonal nature of agricultural activities. The gap between the sowing season and the reaping season is marked by seasonal hunger.

• Which are the people more prone to food insecurity? [2011 (T-2)] Ans. The people worst affected by food insecurity in India are landless labourers, traditional artisans, providers of traditional services and destitutes including beggars. In the urban    areas,

the food insecure people are those whose working members are generally employed in ill-paid occuptions and casual labour market. These workers are largely engaged in seasonal activities and are paid very low wages that just ensure bare survival.

         Describe briefly the measures adopted to achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains since Independence.  [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. After Independence, Indian policy makers adopted all measures to achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains. India adopted a new strategy in agriculture which resulted in Green Revolution especially in the production of wheat and    rice.

What steps have been taken by the Government of India to provide food security to the poor? Explain any three.                                                                                                                [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. To provide food security to the poor following steps have been taken by the Government of India :

• PDS :- Public Distribution System (PDS) was established for the distribution of food grains among
• ICDS :-    Integrated  Child  Development  Services  were  launched  in  1975   to  ensure nutrition among children of backward
• FFW :- ‘Food for work’ was introduced in 1977-78 to provide employment opportunities for poors to ensure food security for

Describe Public Distribution System (PDS) is the most important step taken by the Government of India towards ensuring   food security.                                                                   [2011 (T-2)]

Ans. In the begining, the coverage of PDS was universal with no discrimination between poor and non-poor. Then later on the policy was made more targeted.

Important Features of  PDS

• What is buffer stock? Why is it created by the government? [2011 (T-2)] Buffer stock is the stock of foodgrains, namely wheat and rice procured by the government through Food Corporation of India (FCI). The FCI purchases wheat and rice from the  farmers

in states where there is surplus production. The farmers are paid a pre-announced price for  their crops. Buffer stock is created to distribute foodgrains in deficit areas and among the poorer strata of society at price lower than the market price. It is also used at a the time of adverse  weather conditions.

         What are famines? Who were the most affected group of devastating famine of Bengal?

[2011 (T-2)]

Ans. A famine is characterised by widespread deaths due to starvation and epidemics caused by forced use of contaminated water, of decaying food and loss of body resistance due to weakening from starvation. The agricultural labourers, fishermen, transport workers and other casual labourers were affected the   most.

• Why is buffer stock created by the government? Give any three [2011 (T-2)] Ans. Buffer stock  is created due to following   reasons:-

• To distribute food grains in deficit
• To distribute food grains among the poorer strata of society at prices lower than market
• To resolve the problem of shortage of food during adverse weather conditions or during the periods of