ISC Class 12 Sample Paper 2027 Sociology

FOR ISC CLASS 12 EXAM PREPARATION

ISC Class 12 2027
Sample Paper ·
Sociology
EXAM YEAR TYPE SUBJECT

ISC Class 12 2027 Sample Paper Sociology

Notes · Sample Papers · Previous Year Papers · Mock Tests

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SOCIOLOGY

Maximum Marks: 70
Time Allotted: Three Hours
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Reading Time: Additional Fifteen Minutes

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Instructions to Candidates
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e an additional fifteen minutes for only reading the question
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1. You are allowed
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paper.
2. You must NOT start writing during reading time.
3. This question paper has 9 printed pages.
4. There are twelve questions in the paper. All questions are compulsory.
5. This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C.
6. Section A has fourteen subparts which are very short answer questions.
Each question carries 1 mark.
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7. While attempting Multiple Choice Questions in Section A, you are required
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to write only ONE option as the answer.
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8. Section B has seven questions which are short answer questions.
Each question carries 4 marks. ag
9. Section C has four questions which are long answer questions.
Each question carries 7 marks.
10. Internal choices have been provided in three questions in Section B and in
two questions in Section C.
11. The intended marks for questions are given in brackets [ ].
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Instruction to Supervising Examiner
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Kindly read aloud the Instructions given above to all the candidates present in the
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Page 1 of 20

Note: The Specimen Question Paper in the subject provides a realistic format of the
Board Examination Question Paper and should be used as a practice tool. The questions for the
Board Examination can be set from any part of the syllabus, though the format of the Board
Examination Question Paper will remain the same as that of the Specimen Question Paper.

SECTION A – 14 MARKS
Question 1
(i) The BTC-Bodoland Territorial Council created in 2003, was influenced by [1]
the ideals of Nehru’s policy of tribal integration. It aimed to provide
self-governance to the indigenous community and promote development, while
protecting the community’s land forest rights, language, culture, and traditional
institutions.
(Source (edited): The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) – Assam
(2003))
Which of the following influenced the formation of the BTC? (Recall)
(a) LAMPS
(b) TRIFED
(c) Tribal Panchsheel
(d) Special Central Assistance
(ii) Rita a qualified engineer from an upper-middle class family, chose to marry [1]
Srikant, a skilled electrician from a lower socio-economic group. Rita’s relatives
criticised her decision arguing that such a marriage would lower her family’s
prestige and social balance.
Choose the correct statements that explain the motivation for Rita’s decision.
(Analyse)
(P) She exercised her individual choice.
(Q) She was influenced by caste endogamy.
(R) Her decision was influenced by social movements.
(S) Her basis for selecting her spouse was ‘shared understanding’
among other factors.
(a) Only (P) and (Q)
(b) Only (P) and (S)
(c) Only (Q) and (R)
(d) Only (R) and (S)

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(iii) A government school in a semi-urban area admitted children from economically [1]
weaker sections to comply with the Right to Education Act (RTE). It provided
them with free textbooks, uniforms, mid-day meals, and charged no fees.
What provisions of RTE Act were made available by the government school?
(Understand)
(P) Free elementary education
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(Q) High quality testing standards
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(R) Availability of trained teachers in all schools
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(S) Ensuring inclusion of children from underprivileged sections of

l a society
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(b) Only (Q) and (R)
(c) Only (R) and (S)
(d) Only (P) and (S)
(iv) The major problem of Baindi, a village in Haryana, was waste disposal in public [1]
places. Overflowing ponds and waterlogged streets had become a common and
unpleasant sight. Reusing wastewater for agriculture and fisheries, effective

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disposal of garbage and improved sanitation were desperately needed.

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(Source (edited): https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/waste-water-governance-
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dream-becomes-reality-case-study-baindi-village-district)

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With reference to the above case, identify the local authority that would help the
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villagers resolve the issue. (Recall)
(a) Panchayati Raj
(b) Bal panchayat
(c) Mandal Commission
(d) Kaka Kalelkar Commission
(v) Given below are two statements marked as Assertion and Reason. Read the [1]
statements carefully and choose the correct option.

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Assertion: According to Radcliffe Brown, religion instils a sense of dependence

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among people for social survival.
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Reason: Functionalists perceive religion as a force that mobilises political

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revolution. (Analyse)
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s e (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct
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a (b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct
explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.

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(vi) Given below are two statements marked as Assertion and Reason. Read the [1]
statements carefully and choose the correct option.
Assertion: The world today has become a ‘global village’.
Reason: Rapid advancements in technology, reduced trade barriers and
improved transportation have led to the expansion of Multinational
Corporations. (Analyse)
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct
explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct
explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
(vii) The editor of a newspaper was given two different articles and required to [1]
choose one for publishing. The gist of the articles is given below.
Item I: A survey conducted in various parts of the country revealed that women
in rural areas face more challenges compared to urban women, which
hinder their development and wellbeing. Targeted policies that address
the unique issues experienced by these women need to be implemented
to close the gaps.
Item II: Rumours of salt shortage caused ‘panic buying’ in many parts of India
and led to a temporary surge in its price. Many shopkeepers and
wholesalers were overwhelmed with the crowd, while the buyers felt
frustrated standing in long queues to buy the item.
The editor decided to publish Item I in the newspaper. Which one of the
following BEST explains the editor’s decision? (Evaluate)
(a) Social responsibility of media
(b) Potential popularity of the news item
(c) Preference of the newspaper to report gender issues
(d) Meeting the requirement for the number of articles on that day
(viii) An episode of ‘Beyond Boundaries’ aired on YouTube, titled ‘Three Brothers, [1]
One Wife-Inside India’s Rare Marriage Tradition’, begins with the story of
Kiran who is married to three brothers at the same time. This traditional
marriage practice known as ‘Jajda’ is followed by the Hatti tribe of Himachal
Pradesh where polyandry is common.
(Source: Youtube- Beyond Boundaries- 27 February, 2026)
Which one of the following is the MOST appropriate justification for the form
of marriage referred to above? (Evaluate)
(a) To reduce jealousy
(b) To create large families
(c) To manage family assets
(d) To clearly define paternity and parental roles

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(ix)
Pregnancy
period

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Reinforces
Strengthens
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marital bond
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Reinforces
paternity

The flowchart above represents different aspects of: (Recall) [1]
(a) Amitate
(b) Couvade
(c) Avunculate
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(d) Teknonymy
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(x)
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Which one of the following scenarios reflects the function of religion as [1]

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providing emotional resilience in times of distress? (Apply)
g regular prayers and chanting helped her
(a) When Payal lost her a
mother,
cope with grief.
(b) Samantha listened to music regularly after her surgery to regain her
mental strength.
(c) In the Mahabharata, Yudhishtir forgave his enemies in spite of losing his
sons on the battlefield.
(d) During the tsunami of 2004, missionaries in the Thailand Bangkok
Mission packed food and hygiene kits to help the victims and their
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families.

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Analyse the relationship between the first pair and complete the analogy.
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[1]

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Moral Code: Ensures social conformity:: Totemism: ________________

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(xii) ‘In the remote village of a state in India, women rarely owned land or handled [1]
money, even though they worked on family farms for long hours. Any attempt
by women to question decisions was labelled as disrespectful and damaging to
family honour. Men continued to dominate social, economic, and political
spheres.’
(Source: https://www.themint.com)
Name the ideology reflected in the above scenario. (Recall)
(xiii) The carpenter, potter, weaver and barber, who were all known as Kamins, [1]
provided specialised services to Manimohan, the village landlord. In return, he
provided them agricultural produce and took care of their basic needs.
Which system of exchange relations is highlighted in the above situation?
(Recall)
(xiv) State one merit of caste. (Recall) [1]

SECTION B – 28 MARKS

Question 2 [4]
According to the Kumbaras, a caste of potters from Karnataka, their origin is from the
Creator. They firmly believe that they are the only ones who can produce unique clay
items such as idols of deities and oil lamps which are used for religious and cultural
occasions in that region.
(Source edited: https://www.ijcrt.org)
With reference to the above case, discuss the theory of origin of caste being referred to.
(Understand)

Question 3 [4]
Describe four functions of Superstition in religion. (Recall)

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Question 4
The graph given below depicts the allocation of funds, total expenditure, and the
percentage of utilisation of funds for MGNREGA between 2006 to 2018. Study the graph
and answer the questions that follow.

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(Source: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21582440211052281)
(i) What does the graph indicate about the implementation of MGNREGA? [1]
(Analyse)
(ii) What do you infer about the effectiveness of MGNREGA in meeting employment [3]
needs over the period? (Analyse)

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Question 5 .co [4]
(i) ‘Small family, big dreams.’
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Do you agree with the above slogan? Justify your answer with the help of four
arguments. (Evaluate)
OR
(ii) Marriage within the same kin group where members are related by blood is often
considered a ‘systematic solution’ to the needs of the community.
Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your answer with the help of four
arguments. (Evaluate)

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Question 6
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and class status play a significant role in determining sustainable lifestyles.
s e (Create)
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Development is an inverse one. Comment on the statement with the help of
relevant examples. (Create)

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Question 7
The table given below shows the results of a study done to assess the number of protests
across the globe between 2006 to 2020. Study the data and answer the questions that
follow.
Region 2006–2010 2011–2015 2016–2020
Europe and Central Asia 119 319 368
Latin America and the Caribbean 92 164 171
North America 44 111 126
South Asia 26 37 38
Sub-Saharan Africa 76 138 155
Global Protests 68 83 88
Total 425 852 946

(Source (edited): indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in)
(i) What does the above data reveal about the trend of social movements across the [1]
world? (Analyse)
(ii) Analyse the reasons for this trend. (Evaluate) [3]

Question 8 [4]
(i) Discuss the origin of dormitories in tribal societies. (Recall)
OR
(ii) Discuss the political problems of tribes in India. (Recall)

SECTION C – 28 MARKS

Question 9 [7]
(i) "A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman."
(Source: Melinda Gates)
Examine the above quote. (Create)
OR
(ii) ‘Be a man and toughen up.’
Examine the above statement. (Create)

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Question 10 [7]
(i) Summarise features of Belief in Religion. (Recall)
OR
(ii) Summarise Max Mueller’s theory of Naturism in Religion. (Recall)

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Elaborate on seven features of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act.
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(Recall)
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Question 12l as ag
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Read theaexcerpt given below and answer the questions that follow.
Come Friday, every week the Old Trunk Road running parallel to the arterial G.S.T. Road,
comes alive with hundreds of vendors competing to pitch their sheets on the ground at the
famous Pallavaram Sandhai in Chennai.
The age old Sandhai, whose exact period is a subject of conjecture but believed to be more
than 150 years old has earned a reputation for ‘selling everything under the sun’.
(Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-thriving-business-
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hub/article65794173.ece)

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(i) Identify the centre of economic exchange referred to above. (Understand) [1]
(ii) Examine the importance of the centre ofse
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exchange identified in subpart (i) on the lives [6]
of people living in India.
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SOCIOLOGY
ANSWER KEY
SECTION A – 14 MARKS
Question 1
In answering Multiple Choice Questions, candidates have to write either the
correct option number or the explanation against it. Please note that only
ONE correct answer should be written.
(i) (c) Tribal Panchsheel [1]
(ii) (b) Only (P) and (S) [1]
(iii) (d) Only (P) and (S) [1]
(iv) (a) Panchayati Raj [1]
(v) (c) Assertion is true and Reason is false. [1]
(vi) (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation [1]
for Assertion.
(vii) (a) Social responsibility of media [1]
(viii) (c) To manage family assets [1]
(ix) (b) Couvade [1]
(x) (a) When Payal lost her mother, regular prayers and chanting helped her cope [1]
with grief.
(xi) Provides solace / mental peace [1]
(Any other correct implication of Totemism will be accepted.)
(xii) Patriarchal Ideology [1]
(xiii) Jajmani System [1]
(xiv) Merit of Caste [1]

• Caste created stability in society.
• It assigned occupations to its members.
(Any other merit of caste will be accepted.)

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SECTION B a
The answers given in Section B and Section C are suggestive and not exhaustive. Any other
correct answers to the questions will be accepted.

Question 2 [4]
The Divine Origin Theory has been referred to in the given excerpt. It traces
occupation to one’s origin.
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This theory has been outlined in the ‘Purushasukta’ of the Rig Veda. It states that the
four castes originated from the different body parts of Brahma – the Divine Supreme e m
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being. The place of origin for each caste indicates its function in society.
la – mouth: related to speech, and thus the bearers of knowledge. ag
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• Brahmins
• Kshatriyas – arms: related to strength and bravery, and thus the warrior caste
• Vaishyas – thighs: near the stomach, and providers of food and economic
wellbeing of society.
• Shudras – from the feet of the creator. Their duty is to serve everyone as the
feet serve the other parts of the body.
(Candidates have to give a brief explanation of the Divine Origin Theory of caste.)

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Question 3 [4]
Functions of Superstition in religion: s
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• Superstition acts as a psychological
• It helps people navigate uncontrollable situations.
• It gives people the confidence to control the outcome of events.
• It fosters a positive mental attitude.
• Shared superstitions bind the community together.
• Superstition helps individuals process disappointment.

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(Any four of the above functions of the Superstition must be explained. Any other

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relevant function will be accepted.)

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g la a in MGNREGA
a (i) The graph indicates that government has increasingly invested
except in years 2011-16 where the allocation of funds and expenditure
[1]

decreased.
The percentage of utilisation remains consistently high, generally ranging
between around 70% and over 100% in later years with some fluctuations.

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(ii) MGNREGA, with many benefits, has played a pivotal role in ensuring [3]
inclusive growth through social protection, livelihood, security and democratic
governance.
• The graph indicates that government has invested adequate funds in
MGNREGA which implies that it has largely been successful in
providing employment opportunities. Except few years, the funds
allocated have generally been utilised.
• The graph also shows that percentage of funds and expenditure
decreased in certain years which reveals challenges such as lack of
funding and inadequate execution.
• There is a lack of dependable data which dissuades the government
from making huge investments in the scheme.
• Often employees complain of not being frequently paid in full or are
being compelled to pay bribes to get jobs, which could be a possible
reason for reduction in allocation of funds.
• There are also allegations of fake workers and job cards, resulting in
leak in the system.
• Planning and job training is inadequate and incidents of undeserving
candidates availing all the advantages at the cost of real beneficiaries
are common.
Hence, concerted attempts must be made to either strengthen the existing
features of the act or reform it altogether to arrest the shortcomings or
challenges faced.
(Candidates are required to analyse the graph and interpret the effectiveness
of MGNREGA in meeting employment needs over the given period.)

Question 5 [4]

(i) ‘Small family, big dreams’ is a slogan that reflects the changing social and
economic realities of modern society.
Possible arguments to support the slogan
The ‘small family norm’ refers to the societal expectation that families should
have a limited number of children. It is a modern concept and is characteristic
of modern, industrial societies.
Some reasons for this preference are:
• A small family allows parents to provide better care, education, and
health facilities to their children.
• Small families have a better standard of living.
• Financial stability enables individuals to pursue personal goals and ‘big
dreams’ such as higher education and professional success.
• Small families contribute to population control and sustainable
development.
• Small families promote better health and hygiene.
• They also ensure better gender equality.
Thus, the slogan “Small family, big dreams” is justified as smaller family size
enhances individual growth, family well-being and national development.

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Possible arguments to refute the slogan a
• It can be difficult to provide enough financially with the increasing
pressure on parents to fulfil the aspirations of the family members.
• The problem of overparenting is also on the rise in such families.
• Children in such families experience reduced opportunities to learn and
share.
• Additionally, there may not be enough family members at home to

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provide support when both parents are working.

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• Care giving becomes difficult for children, elderly parents and the
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infirm.
• Since small families do not have as much of a social support system as
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large families, members experience feelings of isolation, loneliness
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(Candidates are required to give any four of the above reasons or any other
relevant point. They may choose to agree or disagree with the slogan
regarding the ‘Small Family’. The agreement or disagreement has to be
backed by strong reasons.)
OR

(ii) Marriage within the same kin group, especially in the form of cousin
marriages, has often been viewed as a systematic way of fulfilling the social,
economic and cultural needs of a community.
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Possible arguments to support the statement
• Marriage within the same kin group helps in strengthening kinship ties
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and maintaining close family solidarity. m
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• It is preferred because it maintains purity of blood.

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• Family property remains within the lineage. This ensures economic
security and prevents the fragmentation of land and wealth.
• Since families are already familiar with each other, such marriages
reduce uncertainty, ensure compatibility, and provide social security
to women, as support from both natal and marital kin remains
accessible.
• Cultural continuity is maintained.
• It also ensures reciprocity amongst kin members as the bride price
paid by the husband for his wife comes back to his own family through
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the marriage of his daughter with the son of his wife`s brother. It also
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provides an opportunity for avoiding payment of high bride-price.

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Possible arguments to refute the statement
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s e • Marriage within close blood relations may lead to biological risks and
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a • It leads to increased infant mortality due to congenital disorders.
• From a social perspective, strict adherence to such marriages may
limit individual choice and personal freedom in selecting a spouse.
• It may also restrict wider social interaction and alliance-building
beyond the kin group, which is essential in complex and modern
societies.

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• In communities where such alliances are strongly enforced,
individuals who oppose the practice may face social pressure or
exclusion.

(Candidates are required to give four valid reasons to support their stance.)

Question 6 [4]

(i) • Sustainable lifestyle is often presented as an individual ‘choice’, but in
reality, it is determined by socio-economic factors such as income and
class position. It is not always a choice as it requires monetary means
and access.
• The energy friendly appliances such as solar panels, lights, electric
vehicles can be afforded only by those who have the resources to buy
them. These are not a necessity but luxury that can be owned only by
few.
• On the other hand, sustainability is a necessity for those who are forced
into it due to their economic limitations. The poor are frequently forced
into carbon-intensive, survival-based lifestyles such as reusing
discarded material to recreate items, minimising food wastage, opting
for repair over wastage, while the high-income group comfortably
affords ‘green’ alternatives.
• Those who are at the lower end of the social stratification system,
especially in rural areas, have traditionally had a more sustainable
lifestyle than their urban and privileged counterparts. However, this is
not necessarily a lifestyle that they willingly embraced but knew no
other lifestyle.
• Sustainable lifestyle is determined by socio-economic factors. The rich
have greener options but a larger footprint. They can afford excessive
levels of high consumption activities.
• Social inequality shapes lifestyle choices. Sustainable lifestyle is an
environmental imperative for those who can afford it. Class and
income are the barriers that deny a systemic access to sustainable
lifestyle.
• At the same time, sustainable lifestyles can also be a conscious lifestyle
choice. It might not always be determined by income and class status.
For instance, houses in rural India were always constructed using
locally sourced, eco-friendly material. Homes were designed with an
inbuilt feature of natural cooling systems. The rural folks were pioneers
in energy conservation, produced minimal waste and used natural
disinfectants.
(Candidates have to give valid arguments to bring out the direct or inverse
relationship between class status and sustainable lifestyles. They may
strengthen their arguments with relevant examples also.)
OR

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(ii) Inverse relationship between Joint family and socialachange and development:
• The statement given is correct. Modern inventions and advancements
precipitated structural change in society that led to the breakdown of
the joint family system.
• With the advent of social change and developmental projects, joint
family system crumbled, and nuclear family set up emerged.
• Social change and development such as education, urbanisation,
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industrialisation initiated the mass movement from rural to urban
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centres which signalled the end of joint family set up. People travelled
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and set up their own small family units.
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s eThis also led to individualism, which marked a dissociation with the
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collective identity of the family, which was a hallmark of the joint
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a • individual goals than working for the larger good of the family.
Functions of the family also underwent change with secondary
agencies taking over most of the functions that were performed by the
joint family.
• With education becoming a tool for self-development and individual
liberty, women became empowered which brough a shift in authority
in the family order. Women no longer sought fulfilment in domestic
roles only and pursued their ambition which further led to the collapse
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of the joint family structure.
(Candidates are required to discuss the inverse relationship between joint
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family system and social change and development. They must give valid

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arguments to support the given statement. Any other relevant argument
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apart from the ones given above will be accepted.)

Question 7

(i) The data in the graph reveals that social movements have steadily increased [1]
with the passage of time across the globe.
(ii) Reasons for the increase in Social Movements: [3]
• Social movements act as a tool of collective expression. With the wide
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reach and accessibility of internet, people have started connecting easily
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sharing global solidarity which is one of the reasons for increase in the
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social movements.
e m • There is also a wide outrage at failing systems which has sparked protest
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las across world. Issues such as inflation, unemployment, gender injustice,
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nations. Social movements allow them to express their discontentment
which leads to its popularity.
• There is also increased awareness among people of their rights which
makes them question any form of injustice and hold the ones in power
accountable for failing in their duties.
(Candidates are required to analyse the reasons for the rise in social
movements across the world. The analysis must be based on the data
provided in the question.)
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Question 8 [4]

(i) Origin of Dormitories in Tribal Societies:
Dormitories among the primitive people were forms of associations in which
the young people assembled together and went through a process of training
to acquire knowledge about their future roles in society.
Reasons for the origin of Dormitories:
• To train young tribal girls and boys in armoury skills and warfare.
• To give privacy to parents in the community.
• To protect the village from the attack of wild animals and the village
womenfolk from the attack of other tribes.
• To inculcate in the youth the communal sentiment.
• To impart tribal culture, religion and art to the youth.
• To train the youth in economic activities that the tribe pursues.
(Candidates are required to discuss the origin of dormitories with reference
to their role and need.)
OR

(ii) Political Problems of Tribes in India:
• Regionalism
• Separatism
• Political Marginalisation
• Alienation from Land and Resources
• Weak Implementation of Protective Laws
(Candidates are required to discuss the political problems of tribes in Indian
context with reference to above listed areas.)

SECTION C – 28 MARKS
Question 9 [7]
(i) The above quote refers to the empowerment of women which challenges
patriarchy, redefines traditional gender roles and reduces gender-based
violence. It highlights the idea of empowerment through ‘voice’ which is a
mark of strength and agency.
The empowerment of women is predicated on the following factors:
• Awareness of laws
• Economic independence
• Education
• Expression through diverse platforms and social media
• Women’s participation in the decision- making process
• Reduction in social evils
• Breaking the glass ceiling at the workplace and wanting to take up
challenging roles
• Equal rights in property and inheritance
• Changing gender stereotypes
• Role of men in women’s reform movements

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Alternative Opinion: a
However, the given quote may not always be true. Empowerment of women
may not always necessarily imply freedom from patriarchy and gender-based
violence.
• Empowerment of women does not automatically eliminate male violence.
• It may lead to increased male backlash as women gain importance leading
to male insecurity.
• There has been an increase in gender-based violence with increased
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economic independence as women’s empowerment has not only defied
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traditional roles but also threatened men’s position.
• Deep-rooted patriarchal ideology is difficult to be reformed along with s e m
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socio-cultural norms which ‘normalise’ violence.
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• Women can also be perpetrators of violence against women, thus using their
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(Candidates have to examine the relationship between empowerment and
strong women. This must be supported with valid arguments. Any other
argument besides the ones given above will be accepted.)
OR
(ii) The given statement is a gender stereotype. Men have historically been
considered non-emotional beings and providers for the family.

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This compulsion has dehumanised them and made them suppress their

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vulnerabilities.

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Possible arguments to support analysis

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• Men are overburdened to meet social expectations.
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• The are pressurised by stereotypical images of physical traits.
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• They are pressurised to pursue stereotypical educational courses and
careers consequently.
• Society often typecasts them into stereotypical domestic and social
roles.
• Men do not learn to be emotive, or they become emotionally challenged
due to stereotypical expectations.
• It leads to ‘inferiority complex’ as they are unable to cope with
expectations at times.
• Inability to cope or the feeling of superiority can lead to anger issues,
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• It leads to validation of their abusive behaviour. s em
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(Candidates have to examine the impact of gender stereotypes
a the help of relevant arguments. They may give any other
besides the ones given above.)

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Question 10 [7]
(i) Features of belief in religion are as follows:
• Supernatural Element: Beliefs revolve around powers, entities, or
forces that cannot be explained or proven by scientific reasoning.
• Faith-based – Religious belief is based on faith and devotion, not
scientific proof or logical verification.
• Emotional and psychological support – It provides comfort, hope, and
security during crisis, suffering, or uncertainty.
• Guides moral behaviour – Belief promotes values like honesty,
kindness, charity, duty, and self-control.
• Collective and social in nature – Belief is usually shared by a group,
creating unity, solidarity, and common identity.
• Expressed through rituals and practices – Beliefs are reinforced through
prayer, worship, fasting, festivals, and ceremonies.
• Provides meaning and purpose – Belief answers fundamental questions
about life, death, suffering, and existence, thus giving direction to
human life.

(Candidates are required to summarise features of belief in religion. Any
other relevant feature will be accepted.)

OR
(ii) Features of the theory of Naturism in Religion are:
• Proposed by Max Mueller – He was a German scholar who explained
the origin of religion through the worship of nature.
• Earliest form of religion was nature worship – Early humans
worshipped natural objects like the sun, moon, thunder, trees, rivers,
rain, etc.
• Origin in awe and reverence for nature – The theory has roots in nature
ad human beings developed feelings of fear, wonder, love and respect
towards powerful natural forces.
• Nature as a powerful force – Natural objects were believed to have life,
spirit or divine force controlling human existence.
• Religion arose from linguistic and mental error – According to Mueller,
primitive humans made mistakes in language and thinking,
personifying natural phenomena such as ‘the sun rises,’ ‘thunder sends
rain’.
• Personification of nature – Natural forces were treated like living beings
or gods, leading to worship.
• Supported by archaeological evidence – Excavations in Egypt and other
regions show early worship of natural elements.
• Not fully accepted as complete explanation – Critics argue nature
worship alone cannot convincingly explain the entire origin of religion,
though it reveals an important aspect of primitive religion.

(Candidates are required to summarise features of Naturism as a theory of
religion. The points must not be generic and should be specific to Max
Mueller’s theory of Naturism. Any other relevant feature will be accepted.)

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9 ISC SPECIMEN ANSWER KEY 2027

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Question 11 a [7]
Features of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act are:
• Three-tier Panchayati Raj structure
• Gram Sabha as the foundation of rural democracy
• Direct elections every 5 years
• Reservation for weaker sections
• Women’s representation made mandatory
• State Election Commission
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• State Finance Commission11th Schedule: Subjects transferred to Panchayats
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• Constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions
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(Candidates have to elaborate on any seven features of the 73rd Constitution
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Amendment Act. Any other relevant feature is accepted.)
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Question
(i) Traditional Market [1]
(ii) Significance of Traditional market [6]
• Traditional markets reflect the culture of a society.
• They play a crucial role in preserving tribal and rural customs and cultural
practices.
• In most agrarian societies, the traditional or weekly market is the central
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feature of the socio-economic life of the people. Traditional markets in tribal
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and rural societies are not merely economic institutions but integrated social
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and cultural spaces that sustain livelihoods, reflect social structure, and
preserve cultural traditions.
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accordance with the local culture.ag
• These markets are viewed as social institutions that are constructed in

• The markets are controlled by a specific group of individuals.
• Each segment of the economy is socially embedded.
• Villagers, traders, sellers, astrologers, moneylenders and entertainers
congregate here.
• It is a place where alliances are made, gossip is exchanged and people meet
their kin members.
• Often people do not come with the intention of buying but visit just to
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socialise. Their buying decisions are often influenced by those of others.
m • These markets are also suggestive of caste hierarchy. The arrangement of

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• Social interactions between members also reflects the structure of the
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a • With advancements in transport and communication, there is greater
connectivity with urban areas. Despite this, research by multinationals shows
that rural people prefer the traditional market as a platform to sell, as sales
of their products are higher here than in a permanent shop set up by them in
rural areas.
(Candidates have examine the role of this market in the lives of people in
India. Any other relevant point apart from the ones given above will be
accepted.)
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