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Class 9 Social Science: Understanding Social Science — Chapter Question Set

Chapter-wise questions and answers for Class 9 Social Science: Understanding Social Science — Chapter Question Set in Class 9 Social Science, with a clear summary, key points, and exam-ready model answers.

What you will find on this page: a clear chapter summary, revision notes, word meanings, important questions, MCQs, and exam-ready question answers for Class 9 Social Science.

After reviewing the chapter explanation, answer the short-answer, long-answer, extract-based, and objective questions below.

About 18 min readChapter 1: Understanding Social ScienceUpdated 9 Sep 2026
65 questions
Section A

1-Mark Questions

Objective questions · 1 mark each.

Question 1: What is Social Science? (a) Study of natural world (b) Systematic study of human society (c) Study of plants and animals (d) Study of stars and planets

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(b) Systematic study of human society

Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a core discipline of Social Science? (a) Geography (b) History (c) Physics (d) Political Science

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(c) Physics

Question 3: Which discipline studies the Earth and its environments? (a) History (b) Geography (c) Economics (d) Political Science

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(b) Geography

Question 4: What does History study? (a) Earth's environments (b) Human past and societal changes (c) Governance systems (d) Resource distribution

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(b) Human past and societal changes

Question 5: Which discipline analyses governance and citizens' rights? (a) Economics (b) Geography (c) Political Science (d) History

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(c) Political Science

Question 6: What does Economics study? (a) Earth's environments (b) Human past (c) Production and distribution of resources (d) Governance systems

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(c) Production and distribution of resources

Question 7: What is the meaning of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam? (a) The world is a battlefield (b) The world is one family (c) Knowledge is power (d) Nature is supreme

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(b) The world is one family

Question 8: The Itihasa-Purana tradition preserves cultural memory through: (a) Scientific experiments (b) Stories and narratives (c) Mathematical formulas (d) Political treaties

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(b) Stories and narratives

Question 9: Archaeological sources include: (a) Travelogues and memoirs (b) Monuments and artefacts (c) Inscriptions on metal plates (d) Coins and currency

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(b) Monuments and artefacts

Question 10: Which of the following is a literary source? (a) Monuments (b) Sculptures (c) Travelogues (d) Inscriptions

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(c) Travelogues

Question 11: Epigraphic sources are texts inscribed on: (a) Paper and cloth (b) Stone and metal plates (c) Wood and leather (d) Plastic and glass

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(b) Stone and metal plates

Question 12: Numismatic sources include: (a) Monuments and buildings (b) Coins and currency (c) Inscriptions on rocks (d) Folklore and oral traditions

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(b) Coins and currency

Question 13: The Arthashastra is attributed to: (a) Kalidas (b) Varahamihira (c) Kautilya (d) Panini

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(c) Kautilya

Question 14: The Arthashastra was composed about how many years ago? (a) 500 years (b) 1,000 years (c) 2,300 years (d) 5,000 years

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(c) 2,300 years

Question 15: Panchamahabhutas refers to: (a) Five great rulers (b) Five great elements (c) Five great books (d) Five great cities

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(b) Five great elements

Question 16: Which of the following is one of the Panchamahabhutas? (a) Nitrogen (b) Oxygen (c) Prithvi (Earth) (d) Carbon

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(c) Prithvi (Earth)

Question 17: The Sāmaveda manuscript is an example of: (a) Archaeological source (b) Literary source (c) Epigraphic source (d) Numismatic source

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(b) Literary source

Question 18: The Tirukkural is an ancient: (a) Tamil text of ethical wisdom (b) Sanskrit grammar book (c) Political treatise (d) Scientific manual

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(a) Tamil text of ethical wisdom

Question 19: Brahmi inscription belongs to which period? (a) Mughal period (b) Gupta period (c) British period (d) Maurya period

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(b) Gupta period

Question 20: Which emperor's Kannada inscription is found at Hampi? (a) Ashoka (b) Samudragupta (c) Krishnadeva Raya (d) Akbar

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(c) Krishnadeva Raya

Question 21: The coin issued by Samudragupta belongs to which century? (a) 2nd century CE (b) 3rd century CE (c) 4th century CE (d) 5th century CE

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(c) 4th century CE

Question 22: Jahangir's coin showed which zodiac sign? (a) Aries (b) Sagittarius (c) Leo (d) Taurus

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(b) Sagittarius

Question 23: Modern historiography uses which method for dating? (a) Astrology (b) Carbon-14 dating (c) Palmistry (d) Numerology

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(b) Carbon-14 dating

Question 24: Genealogical records trace: (a) Climate patterns (b) Family lineage and ancestry (c) Trade routes (d) Political boundaries

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(b) Family lineage and ancestry

Question 25: Which source consists of folklore and oral traditions? (a) Archaeological (b) Literary (c) Epigraphic (d) Numismatic

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(b) Literary

Question 26: Social Science helps us understand: (a) Only what happens (b) Only why it happens (c) Both what and why it happens (d) Neither what nor why

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(c) Both what and why it happens

Question 27: Which discipline studies power and governance? (a) Economics (b) Political Science (c) Geography (d) History

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(b) Political Science

Question 28: The study of how societies meet their needs is: (a) History (b) Geography (c) Economics (d) Political Science

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(c) Economics

Question 29: Terracotta figurines from Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilization are examples of: (a) Literary sources (b) Epigraphic sources (c) Archaeological sources (d) Numismatic sources

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(c) Archaeological sources

Question 30: Which tradition preserves cultural values through stories? (a) Itihasa-Purana (b) Scientific tradition (c) Mathematical tradition (d) Political tradition

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(a) Itihasa-Purana

Question 31: Vishnu sculpture from 12th century CE is an example of: (a) Literary source (b) Archaeological source (c) Numismatic source (d) Epigraphic source

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(b) Archaeological source

Question 32: Which is NOT a discipline of Social Science? (a) Sociology (b) Anthropology (c) Botany (d) Philosophy

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(c) Botany

Question 33: The Arthashastra examines: (a) Religious rituals (b) Administration and economy (c) Astronomical calculations (d) Medical treatments

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(b) Administration and economy

Question 34: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam expresses: (a) National pride (b) Interconnectedness of human societies (c) Religious devotion (d) Scientific progress

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(b) Interconnectedness of human societies

Question 35: Revenue documents are examples of: (a) Archaeological sources (b) Literary sources (c) Numismatic sources (d) Epigraphic sources

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(b) Literary sources

Question 36: The study of coins is called: (a) Epigraphy (b) Numismatics (c) Archaeology (d) Palaeontology

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(b) Numismatics

Question 37: The study of inscriptions is called: (a) Epigraphy (b) Numismatics (c) Archaeology (d) Palaeontology

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(a) Epigraphy

Question 38: Which scientific tool is used to study material remains? (a) Microscope (b) Telescope (c) Barometer (d) Thermometer

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(a) Microscope

Question 39: Social Science prepares us to be: (a) Only students (b) Thoughtful citizens (c) Only workers (d) Only consumers

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(b) Thoughtful citizens

Question 40: The concept of Panchamahabhutas is from: (a) Greek philosophy (b) Indian philosophical traditions (c) Chinese philosophy (d) Egyptian philosophy

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(b) Indian philosophical traditions

Question 41: Which element is part of Panchamahabhutas? (a) Helium (b) Agni (Fire) (c) Gold (d) Silver

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(b) Agni (Fire)

Question 42: The Grand Anicut is located in: (a) Karnataka (b) Tamil Nadu (c) Kerala (d) Andhra Pradesh

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(b) Tamil Nadu

Question 43: Zabo system is practiced in: (a) Nagaland (b) Punjab (c) Kerala (d) Gujarat

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(a) Nagaland

Question 44: Which is NOT part of Social Science? (a) Geography (b) History (c) Chemistry (d) Economics

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(c) Chemistry

Question 45: Political Science helps citizens understand: (a) Agricultural practices (b) Rights and responsibilities (c) Weather patterns (d) Biological processes

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(b) Rights and responsibilities

Question 46: Economics explores how societies: (a) Rule and govern (b) Produce and distribute resources (c) Preserve history (d) Study environments

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(b) Produce and distribute resources

Question 47: The study of human past is called: (a) Geography (b) Political Science (c) History (d) Economics

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(c) History

Question 48: Inscriptions on metal plates are which type of source? (a) Literary (b) Epigraphic (c) Numismatic (d) Archaeological

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(b) Epigraphic

Question 49: The word 'itihasa' in Indian tradition means: (a) Science (b) History (c) Economics (d) Geography

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(b) History

Question 50: The Tirukkural is an ancient text of: (a) Sanskrit origin (b) Tamil origin (c) Pali origin (d) Prakrit origin

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(b) Tamil origin
Section B2

2-Mark Questions

Short-answer questions · 2 marks each.

Question 51: What is Social Science and why is it important to study it?

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Social Science is the systematic study of human society. It helps us understand why events occur, how people live together, how governments function, and how the past and present shape the world.

Question 52: What are the four core disciplines of Social Science? Write one line about each.

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Geography studies Earth and environment. History examines human past. Political Science analyses governance and rights. Economics explores production, distribution, and utilization of resources.

Question 53: Differentiate between archaeological sources and literary sources.

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Archaeological sources are material remains like monuments and artefacts. Literary sources are written records like travelogues, memoirs, correspondence, and folklore traditions.

Question 54: What are the different types of historical sources? Give two examples of each.

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Archaeological sources - monuments and sculptures. Literary sources - travelogues and memoirs. Epigraphic sources - inscriptions on stone and metal plates. Numismatic sources - coins and currency.

Question 55: What is the Arthashastra and what does it examine?

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Arthashastra, attributed to Kautilya, was composed about 2,300 years ago. It examines administration, economic management, taxation, and the duties of rulers toward their people.

Question 56: How does Social Science help us understand contemporary challenges?

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Social Science helps us understand challenges like environmental sustainability, social diversity, citizens' rights, technology impact, and global connections through careful observation, evidence, and logical reasoning.

Question 57: Explain the significance of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

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Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam means 'the world is one family'. It expresses the interconnectedness of human societies across regions and cultures, lying at the core of Social Science's study of global interactions.

Question 58: What is the Itihasa-Purana tradition and why is it important?

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The Itihasa-Purana tradition preserves cultural memory through stories. It shares historical information, gives cultural meaning to events, reinforces enduring ideals and values, and offers a sense of identity.

Question 59: What is the difference between Social Science and Natural Science?

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Natural Sciences study the natural world (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). Social Science focuses on society, institutions, cultures, and human interactions to understand the social world.

Question 60: Why do we need multiple disciplines to understand society?

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Society is complex and no single field can fully explain it. Different disciplines examine different aspects - environment, history, governance, and economy - together providing comprehensive understanding. 5-MARK QUESTIONS (100 Words with Intro - Points - Conclusion)
Section C

5-Mark Questions

Broad-answer questions · 5 marks each.

Question 61: Define Social Science. Explain the four core disciplines of Social Science with their scope and significance.

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Introduction: Social Science is the systematic study of human society. It explains why events occur, how people live together, how environments influence life, how governments function, how economies operate, and how past and present shape the world.
Points:
• Geography studies the Earth, its environments, and relationships between people and their surroundings.
• History examines the human past and helps us understand how societies change over time.
• Political Science analyses systems of governance, power, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
• Economics explores how societies produce, distribute, and utilize resources to meet their needs.
Conclusion: These disciplines are interconnected and together provide a holistic understanding of society.

Question 62: "Social Science helps us understand not only what happens in our social world, but also why it happens." Justify this statement with suitable examples from daily life.

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Introduction: Social Science goes beyond describing events to explain the underlying causes and connections in our daily lives.
Points:
• Housing: Different house types are explained by climate (Geography), traditions (History), affordability (Economics), and policies (Political Science).
• Food: Food from different regions involves agricultural conditions (Geography), trade routes (History), production (Economics), and subsidies (Political Science).
• Education: Schools are shaped by educational policies (Political Science), evolution of education (History), funding (Economics), and distribution (Geography).
• Transport: Transport modes depend on terrain (Geography), affordability (Economics), and infrastructure development (Political Science).
• Climate: Flood-prone regions involve river systems (Geography), settlement patterns (History), development choices (Economics), and disaster management (Political Science).
Conclusion: Social Science explains the complex interconnections shaping our daily lives.

Question 63: Discuss the various types of historical sources used to study the past. How do these sources help historians reconstruct history?

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Introduction: History writing draws on a wide range of sources to understand the social realities of the past.
Points:
• Archaeological Sources: Material remains like monuments, artefacts, sculptures, and paintings. Examples include terracotta figurines from Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilization.
• Literary Sources: Written records like travelogues, memoirs, correspondence, folklore, and revenue documents. Examples include Sāmaveda manuscript and Tirukkural.
• Epigraphic Sources: Inscriptions on durable materials like stone, metal plates, or rock surfaces. Examples include Brahmi inscription and Kannada inscription of Krishnadeva Raya.
• Numismatic Sources: Coins, currency, and medals. Examples include Samudragupta's coin and Jahangir's coin showing zodiac sign.
• Methods: Modern historiography uses human genetics, carbon-14 dating, archaeology, and other scientific methods to establish timelines and understand the past.
Conclusion: These sources help historians reconstruct history through scientific analysis, comparative study, interpretation, and timeline creation.

Question 64: Explain the importance of studying Social Science for becoming a responsible citizen of India and the world.

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Introduction: Social Science prepares us to be informed, thoughtful citizens who can participate in shaping society.
Points:
• Understanding Rights: Political Science teaches us about governance, rights, and duties for meaningful democratic participation.
• Understanding Heritage: History connects us to rich traditions and the Itihasa-Purana tradition preserves cultural memory.
• Understanding Economy: Economics helps us understand production, distribution, and issues like poverty and sustainable development.
• Understanding Environment: Geography helps us understand environmental challenges and promotes sustainable living.
• Global Connections: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam teaches 'world is one family' for global citizenship.
• National Unity: Understanding India's diversity strengthens national identity and cultural appreciation.
Conclusion: Social Science prepares us to think independently, act responsibly, and contribute positively to society.

Question 65: How does Social Science build connections among people, places, and systems? Explain with examples from everyday life.

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Introduction: Social Science shows society as one connected story rather than a collection of separate pieces.
Points:
• Connections among People: History shows how communities evolve and interact through trade, migration, and cultural exchanges. Example: Silk Route connected India to the world.
• Connections among Places: Geography shows how regions are connected through rivers, mountains, and trade routes. Example: Ganga, Nile, Brahmaputra gave rise to agricultural societies.
• Connections among Systems: Political, economic, and social systems are interconnected. Example: Arthashastra linked administration with public welfare.
• Daily Life Example: A day in your life involves house materials (Geography), food processing (Economics), roads (Political Science), and school policies (Political Science, History).
• Flood Example: Punjab Floods 2025 show connections between natural factors, human activities, economic losses, social disruption, government response, and cultural impact.
Conclusion: Social Science helps us see the interconnected nature of human life and society.

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