Social Studies 10

power to respect rights and secure justice

• to be supportive of a diverse and vibrant international human rights movement
and mutually beneficial partnership

Besides above, there are other organizations such as ILO, UNHCR, United Nations
Foundation, Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Human Rights Action Centre (HRAC), etc.
that are actively working to promote human rights.

Glossary

endure - to carry through despite hardships
overcome - to defeat an opponent or succeed against a hurdle
customary - commonly practised but not legally binding
conscience - having an awareness of moral and ethical aspects of one’s

incite conduct
tribunal - to cause to act in an angry or violent way
arbitary - a kind of court
penal - done without concerning for right or wrong
prosecution - very severe
suffrage - the act of holding a trial against a person
consolidate - the right to vote in an election
disseminate - to join or combine together
- pass, spread

In-class Activity

In Article 26 (1), UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights has the following provision:

Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and
fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional
education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all
on the basis of merit.

Discuss whether this provision has been fulfilled in Nepal. If not, write a letter to the Chairperson of
National Human Rights Commission, Nepal drawing their attention to rights of education.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 201

Exercise

A. Write short answers to the following questions.
1. What are human rights? Why is it obligatory for a country to uphold human
rights?

2. Do you think the provision for human rights mentioned in the lesson are
also practised? What do you think is the condition of human rights in Nepal?
Offer your views.

3. To enjoy one’s human rights, one has to respect others’ rights as well. Explain
the statement with examples.

4. Who was Eleanor Roosevelt? What is her contribution in the declaration of
human rights?

5. How does the Constitution of Nepal guarantee fundamental rights as part of
human rights?

6. How will you honour a person or an agency who are involved in the protection
and promotion of human rights?

7. Show in a chart the differences between Human rights and fundamental
rights.

8. 'Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of persons.' Clarify the
statement.

9. Write down the process of the formation of the National human Rights
Commission.

10. Name any four national level organizations working in the protection of
human rights.

11. What is OHCHR? Write down its functions.
12. Name any four international level organizations working in the protection of

human rights. Describe any one of them.

13. Mention the roles played by the INSEC in the protection of human rights.

14. What is Amnesty International? Clarify the meaning inherent in it.

B. Write long answers to the following questions.

1. What do you understand by UN Declaration of Human Rights? Mention any
ten articles of it.

2. Fundamental rights are the guaranteed human rights to its citizens by the
state. Draft a dialogue to justify the statement.

Self-discovery: Project Work
National Human Rights Commission is a constitutional body that works for human
rights in Nepal. Visit the website www.nhrc.org and prepare a brief report about it.

202 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

Lesson Women's Rights

5.9 -dlxnf clwsf/_

Pre-reading Activity

The Constitution of Nepal has the provision for Women Commission. Find out what rights have
been guaranteed to them.

Reading

When the issue of human rights is raised, women's rights, an integral part of it, also
comes forth. Today women's rights, a much talked issue has been discussed from various
aspect at global level. It is also an important indicator to understand global well-being.

Women's right is defined as freedoms, liberties, and opportunities inherently possessed
by women or girls of all ages equal to those of men, with respect to suffrage, property,
politics, the professional fields, etc. The women's rights movement began in the 19th
century demanding for the right to vote (known as suffrage) by some women reformers
in the US. In fact, they demanded the same legal rights as men. Though their voice for vote
was secured by the nineteenth amendment to the US constitution in 1920, much efforts
were put to gain other rights. In 1967 AD, UN member states adopted the Declaration
on the Elimination of Discrimination against women, which stated that discrimination
against women is an offence against human dignity and called on states to" abolish
existing laws, customs, regulations and practices which are discriminatory against
women, and to establish adequate legal protection for equal rights of men and women".
Beginning in 1975 AD, which was also the International Women's Year, resulted in the
World Plan of Action and the designation of 1975-1985 AD as the United Nations Decade
for women. The next international conference in 1980 AD in Copenhagen opened door
for signature on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. The third
world conference on women in Nairobi (1982) began its task. Finally, the fourth world
conference on women held in Beijing in 1995 AD passed different important issues on
women which turned to be a milestone in achieving different rights.

Women do two thirds of the world's work, receive 10% of the worlds' income and own
1% of the means of production.

-Richard H. Robbins Global, problems and culture of capitalism

Women have always played an important role in the development of history. But they
have been denied their rights, their opportunities. They have been kept far away from
important decision making process. Women today continue to be subjected to gender
based violence such as rape, kidnapping or trafficking, sexual slavery, forced impregnation
or miscarriages, and sexual abuse such as forced nudity and publicly humiliating and
violating acts. Governments and stakeholders are not living up to their promises under
the women's convention to protect women from discrimination and violence.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 203

Women constitute more than half of the population of Nepal but they do not enjoy
equal benefits as men in the civil, political, social and economic advancement. They
remain marginalized in their pursuit of equality. The situation is even worse in rural
areas. Although there is a provision of separate commission for women in the present
constitution, effectiveness is yet to be seen.

Hence, the global solidarity in the protection of women's rights, strong action-oriented
commitment of the government, the broad and farsighted vision of every individual and
strong mechanism to boost up women empowerment are required to give due respect
and enhance women's rights. Women empowerment is not possible without establishing
women's rights. Therefore, the following are the provisions at constitution, law and other
policy formulation level to establish women's rights:

a. to build equitable society on the basis of proportionate, inclusive and participatory
principle

b. to end gender discrimination

c. to get citizenship from mother's name

d. not to discriminate on the basis of origin, religion, race, caste, gender, disability or
any other things to use general law

d. to have a special provision of protection of socially or culturally underprivileged
women and people with disability, empowerment or development according to law

e. to make a provision of equal right by descent to the women without gender
discrimination

f. to have a provision of women's rights to safe motherhood and reproductive health

g. no physical, mental, sexual, psychological or any other types of violence or
exploitation on the basis of religious, social and cultural tradition or customs or
any other things and such acts are punishable by law and the victims will get
compensation

h. participation of women in all the agencies of the state on the basis of proportional
inclusive principle

i. to provide special opportunities to women in education, health, employment and
social security on the basis of positive discrimination

j. equal right to property and family affairs

k. formation of National Women Commission

l. to guarantee right to social justice even to socially underprivileged women in all the
agencies of the state on the basis of inclusive principle

m. provision of social security right even to economically deprived, invalid, helpless
single women

n. state's political objective is to guarantee fundamental rights, norms and values of
human rights and gender equality.

204 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

Glossary

milestone - a very important event
impregnating - to make pregnant
miscarriage - loss of pregnancy, loss of fetus
descent - birth

In-class Activity

Find out whether the indigenous people of your community have got to utilize the rights as
mentioned in the lesson.

Exercise

A. Write short answers to the following questions.
1. What are women's right? Why has the woman right become a global issue?
2. What are the different rights that come under women's rights?
3. Give some examples of the violation of woman's rights.
4. What sort of programmes should be launched to protect women's rights?

Write in points.
5. Write down different ways of women empowerment.
6. What could be done to support the promotion of women's rights?
7. "The rights of women cannot be established without promoting the social

status of women" Clarify the statement.

B. Write a long answer to the following question.
1. Mention the constitutional provisions for the promotion of women's rights in

Nepal.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 205

Lesson Indigenous and
Janajati Rights
5.10
-cflbjf;L tyf hghflt clwsf/_

Pre-reading Activity

Find out the students in your class who belong to indigenous and Janajati group. Ask them whether
they know their rights as mentioned in the constitution.

Reading

Indigenous people are the distinct groups
residing in different parts of the world. Since
there is no internationally agreed definition of
indigenous people, each state adopts different
definitions in terms of their particular context
and circumstances. The United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
People (UNDRIP) was adopted by the
General Assembly on 13 September 2007. The
declaration analyzed the indigenous groups
with the following features:

• They are the distinct groups with their own unique culture.

• They enjoy the same rights as all other people without discrimination of any kind.

• They want the governments of the countries in which they live to respect their
ability to determine for themselves their own destinies.

• They want to enjoy their rights to land, territories and resources that they have
traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used.

Around the world there are more than 5,000 different indigenous peoples, speaking more
than 4,000 languages.

1/3 of the world's 900 million extremely poor rural people are indigenous people and 70%
of them live in Asia .

According to the 2011 census, the indigenous nationalities (Adibasi and Janajati) of
Nepal comprise 35.81% of the total population. Out of 125 castes and ethnic groups 63
are indigenous groups. But only 59 indigenous groups have been identified by Nepal
Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN). In 2007, the government of Nepal also
ratified the ILO Convention of Indigenous and Tribal People.

Today the indigenous constitute a significant proportion of the population but they have
been marginalized in terms of language, culture, political and economic opportunities. In

206 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

fact, globally they suffer higher rates of poverty, landlessness, malnutrition, low literacy
rate, low access to health services, etc. They are deprived of the basic fundamental rights.
Their cultural identity is on the verge of extinction. The hegemony of so-called higher
caste has engulfed their tradition and culture. For example, younger generation of the
Gurungs, the Rais, the Limbus, the Newars, etc. feel very difficult to speak or even cannot
speak their mother tongues.

Although the present constitution of Nepal has addressed some of the issues raised by
these groups by forming a separate commission (Adivasi and Janajati Commission),
some of the key issues such as federalism based on ethnicity, languages and region with
historical background, right to self-determination, ethnic autonomy and self-governance,
etc. raised by them have not yet been achieved as they say.

Hence to make an inclusive and progressive Nepal it is very much necessary for the state
to address their genuine issues. Their rights to live a dignified life with social, political
and economic benefits must be ensured by the state.

As the indigenous groups or tribes are deprived of development and human development,
the objective has been set to establish their access to education, communication, health
and resources. Right to basic education in one's mother tongue is a major issue related
to indigenous communities. Indigenous nationalities means a tribe or community
as mentioned in the schedule having its own mother tongue and traditional rites and
customs, distinct cultural identity, distinct social structure and written or unwritten
history. This fact has been mentioned in Chapter-1, Article-2 of the National Foundation
for Development of Indigenous Nationalities (NFDIN) act, 2058.

Educational and Other Rights of Indigenous Nationalities:
1. Right to free and compulsory basic education
2. Right to child-friendly education at school
3. Right to conservation and promotion of own language, script and civilization
4. Right to easy access to natural means and resources of own areas
5. Right to basic education in own mother tongue

6. Right to special facility to study up to higher education

7. Right to special privilege in services, facilities, shelter and employment provided
by the state

8. Right to strong presence and inclusive representation in various agencies of the state

Efforts Made by the State in Establishing Rights Related to
Indigenous Nationalities:

1. Establishment of Adivasi and Janajati Commission

2. Provision of basic education in mother tongue

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 207

3. Management of curriculum, textbooks and study materials and teachers to provide
education in mother tongue

4. Adoption of participatory principle for equal access and opportunities in various agencies
of the state

5. Provision for scholarship

Glossary

distinct - clear, distinguishable
hegemony - influence or control of certain groups

In-class Activity

The Constitution of Nepal has the provision for Indigenous and Janajati Commission. Find out
what rights have been guaranteed to them.

Exercise

A. Write shorts answers to the following questions.
1. Who are indigenous people? Name different indigenous people residing in
Nepal.

2. Write down different features of the indigenous groups.

3. Write short notes on the indigenous nationalities of Nepal.

4. To get basic education in their own mother tongue is the right of all the
indigenous people. Present your views supporting the statement.

5. Write down the efforts made by the state in establishing rights related to
indigenous nationalities.

B. Write a long answer to the following question.
1. What is right of the indigenous people? What are the rights that come
under it?

Self-discovery: Project Work
Collect the information about the indigenous people of your community. Prepare
a report including their languages, customs, festivals and other aspects of culture.

208 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

Lesson Citizen Identification
and Citizenship
5.11

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Pre-reading Activity

What is your identity? Do you have any certificate of your identity? Discuss in the class.

Reading

The word citizen has been derived from the Anglo-Norman word citezein and French
citoyen which means people united in a city or community. In ancient Greece, there were
different city-states and people connected with the administration of those states were
called citizens. This definition of citizen given by Aristotle doesn't match with today's
new version of citizen. It is not possible for the large population to have a direct access
to the administration of the nation. Today a citizen is one who enjoys all the facilities of
the state and in return pays obedience to the state. In simple understanding a citizen is a
person who enjoys all the legal rights and privileges granted by a state to its people. He
is a member of a political community that is defined by a set of rights and obligations.
Not every person of a country can be called a citizen. To be a citizen he/she should have
a distinct identity which is called a citizen identification and his/her identification is
clarified or defined by citizenship.

Citizenship is a legal status and an identity of a citizen. It is a legal concept with political
recognition that grants its citizens with certain rights and they are expected to perform
certain duties. It is the virtue or status of the citizens. A democratic nation always accords
some special rights and privileges to its citizens. These rights include the right to vote, the
right to enter and reside at will, the right to buy the land, the right to involve in politics,
the right to participate in governance, etc.

The classical definition of citizenship given by Aristotle denoted to a human being as
an active, moral, and political being which could just represent a small group of males.
Modern concept of citizenship constructed on Rousseau's notion of self-determination
concerns with the national identity, civic allegiance, and membership.

Citizen Identity and Citizenship

Nationality and citizenship are two different things. Relationship of citizenship may break
up but relationship of nationality never breaks up. It is also called obtained citizenship
on the basis of blood relation. The second method of obtaining citizenship is on the basis
of birth. It is also called the method of obtaining citizenship on the basis of relation with
soil or land.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 209

Differences between Citizenship and Nationality

Citizenship Nationality

Citizenship can be obtained on the basis of Nationality remains even if an individual

settlement. stays in a foreign land.

Citizenship is of temporary nature as it can Nationality is of permanent nature as it

be renunciated. cannot be renunciated.

Citizenship is the relationship between the Nationality is the symbol of emotional

state and law. relation.

Citizenship has adopted an individual Nationality has adopted a collective

concept. concept.

Citizenship-related Norms

There are several norms about citizenship. The norm of obtaining citizenship indicates
the condition of obtaining citizenship in relation with the geography or birth. Similarly,
obtaining citizenship on the basis of descent means obtaining citizenship on the basis of
relation with parents. In some of the countries there is a provision of double citizenship.
The condition without any citizenship is another norm related with citizenship. Similarly a
country may confer a renowned foreign citizen honorary citizenship. In some countries an
individual may be given citizen identity in the capacity of the second grade. In that condition
an individual may be deprived of rights, services and facilities that the state provides.

Provision Related to Citizenship as per the Constitution of Nepal

There is a provision of a single federal citizenship
with provincial identity. Every Nepali has got the
right to obtain citizenship. The following criteria have
been mentioned in the present constitution to obtain
citizenship:

Citizenship in Nepal

Part 2 article 10-15, of the Constitution of Nepal has the
provision of citizenship in Nepal. Its features are:

Article 10 Citizenship not to be Denied:

(1) No Nepali citizen shall be denied the right to acquire citizenship.

(2) There shall be a provision of single federation citizenship with provincial identity
in Nepal.

Article 11: Nepali citizen to be deemed: (1) The persons who have acquired citizenship
of Nepal at the commencement of this constitution and the persons who are eligible to
acquire citizenship of Nepal under this part shall be deemed to be the citizens of Nepal.

(2) The following persons who have their permanent domicile in Nepal shall be deemed
to be citizens of Nepal by descent:

(a) A person who has acquired the citizenship of Nepal by descent before the
commencement of this constitution.

210 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

(b) Any person whose father or mother was a citizen of Nepal at the birth of such a person.

(3) A child of a citizen who has acquired citizenship of Nepal by birth before the
commencement of this constitution, if his/her father and mother both are the
citizens of Nepal, shall be entitled to Nepali citizenship by descent upon his/her
attaining the age of maturity.

(4) Every child found in Nepal whereabouts of whose paternity and maternity is not
known, until the mother or father is traced, shall be deemed a citizen of Nepal by
decent.

(5) A person born to a Nepali citizen mother and having his/her domicile in Nepal but
whose father is not traced, shall be conferred the Nepali citizenship by descent.
Provided that in case his/her father is found to be a foreigner, the citizenship of such
a person shall be converted to naturalized citizenship according to the federal law.

(6) If a foreign woman married to a Nepali citizen so wishes, she may acquire
naturalized citizenship of Nepal as provided for in a federal law.

(7) Notwithstanding anything contained elsewhere in this article, in case of a person
born to Nepali citizen married to a foreign citizen, he/she may acquire naturalized
citizenship of Nepal as provided for by a federal law if he/she is having the
permanent domicile in Nepal and he/she has not acquired citizenship of the foreign
country.

Provided that if both his/her father and mother are the citizens of Nepal at the
time of acquisition of the citizenship, he/she, if born in Nepal, one may acquire
citizenship by decent.

(8) Except provided for in this article, government of Nepal may confer naturalized
citizenship of Nepal according to federal law.

(9) Government of Nepal may confer honorary citizenship according to federal law.

(10) In case any area is annexed into Nepal by merger, the persons having domicile in
such area shall be citizens of Nepal subject to a federal law.

Article 12: Citizenship based on Decent and with Gender Identity: The person who is
entitled to the citizenship of Nepal by descent may obtain the citizenship certificate of
Nepal from the name of his/her mother or father along with gender identity.

Article 13: Acquisition, Requisition and Termination of citizenship: Other provisions as
to acquisition, requisition and termination of citizenship shall be as provided for in a
federal law.

Article 14: Non-residential citizenship may be conferred: The person who has acquired
citizenship of a foreign country and residing in a country other than the country which is
a member of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and who or
whose father or mother, grandfather or grandmother was a citizen of Nepal by descent
or birth and later on has acquired citizenship of the foreign country, may be conferred
with the non-residential citizenship of Nepal entitling him/her to the economic, social and
cultural rights as provided for in a federal law.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 211

Article 15: Other Provisions as to Citizenship of Nepal

Record shall be maintained at each of the citizens of Nepal along with his/her identity and
other provisions as to citizenship shall be as provided for in a federal law.

Honorary Citizenship

According to the Constitution of Nepal if the government wants it may provide honorary
citizenship to a foreign citizen who has contributed to increase the welfare, glory and
prestige of Nepal. Dr. Tony Hagen and Sir Edmond Hillary were conferred with honorary
citizenship.

Glossary

obligation - something that is compulsory to do
deemed - considered
domicile - the place where you live

In-class Activity

Have a glance of the citizenship of your parents and find out what things are mentioned in it.
Present the description in the class.

Exercise

A. Write short answers to the following questions.

1. What is citizenship? What rights can citizen entertain after getting a citizenship?

2. Write down the major differences between nationality and citizenship.

3. What are the differences between the citizenship based on decent and acquired
citizenship?

4. What sorts of people are suitable to give honorary citizenship? Put your views.

5. There is a provision in the constitution about the limited right to the
Non-Residential Nepali (NRN). What is your view towards their limitation of
rights?

6. Are there any problems about the citizenship in your community? If yes, mention
the problems asking the chairman/secretary of the village executive or the ward
chairperson of the municipality.

7. Complete the given table:

S. N. Types of citizenship Features
1. Descent
2. Naturalized
3. Non-residential
4. Honorary

212 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

B. Write long answers to the following questions.

1 Write down the provision of obtaining citizenship mentioned in the constitution
of Nepal.

2. Compose a dialogue on the topic "citizenship is the basis of providing identity to
the citizen".

Self-discovery: Project Work
Collect the news published in different newspapers about citizens and citizenship.
Take views from the people of your community about them and prepare a report.

Unit Revision

In this unit, we have learnt that:

●● The three bodies of the state—legislature, executive, and judiciary—ensure check and
balance of power in democracy.

●● In democracy, legislature is formed of elected representatives of people, who are
entrusted to make laws.

●● Legislature could be unicameral or bicameral in nature.
●● Making necessary laws, approving government’s economic policies, constitutional

amendment, and ratification of treaties are some major functions of the legislature.

●● Executive includes Cabinet of Ministers, other provincial and local administrative
bodies.

●● The functions and duties of the executive are explained in the constitution.

●● Administrative work, diplomatic work, management of security and protection, and
financial management are some of the main functions of the executive.

●● Judiciary ensures that laws are implemented, through a system of court: Supreme
Court, High Courts, and District Courts.

●● Dispensing justice, interpreting laws, advising on legal matters, and protection of
rights and freedom are some functions of the judiciary.

●● Constitutional bodies such as the Auditor General, Public Service Commission,
Election Commission, etc. are independent bodies provisioned in the Constitution.

●● Political parties are political organizations that seek to influence the government
policies as per their beliefs, interests, and goals.

●● Political parties are indispensable for the functioning of democracy.

●● Nepali political parties have significantly contributed to bring democracy in Nepal.

●● The Election Commission is entrusted with the tasks of conducting all types of elections.

●● Human rights implies the right of an individual to develop his or her personality
irrespective of caste, religion, country of origin, gender, and ethnicity.

●● The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was made on 10th December 1948 and it
has 30 articles.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 213

●● There are different national and international agencies such as National Human
Rights Commission, INSEC and Amnesty International working for the protection and
promotion of human rights.

●● The rights of women and indigenous people have been guaranteed by the constitution
of Nepal.

●● Citizenship is the legal identity of a citizen. Citizenship based on descent, acquired
citizenship and honorary citizenship are the three different types of citizenship in
Nepal.

Test Your Knowledge

A. Write short answers to the following questions.
1. How is executive related to legislature? Explain.
2. List four differences between the process of the formulation of laws and

amendment to the constitution.
3. Why is the judiciary called the guardian of the constitution? Give reasons.
4. What is a special court? Mention one function of it.
5. What is a constitutional body? Write down its importance.
6. Name any three political parties you know. Write a short note on them.
7. What is multi-party system? Write the conditions to form a political party in

Nepal.
8. What do you understand by claim and oppose in an election? Explain.
9. What do you mean by proxy vote? Why do people want to cast more proxy

votes?
10. Mention the major differences between general election and midterm election.
11. When was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights made? Write its

background of formulation.
12. Write in brief about the current situation of human rights in Nepal.
13. Identify the given famous personality and list her contributions.
14. Differentiate between women rights and indigenous

rights.

B. Write long answers to the following questions.
1. List out various organs of the nation and explain in detail the functions and

importance of any one.
2. What is an election? Explain the role of Election Commission before, during

and after the election.
3. Prepare a manifesto for your own political party for the general election.

214 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

Key Terms

act: a law or formal decision made by parliament or other group of elected law-makers

ad hoc judges: the temporary judges in the supreme court that are appointment for a
fixed term to decide the cases and lessen the burden of the number of filed cases

adult franchise: the right of the people to cast vote and elect their representatives

article: One of the sections or items of a written document, as of a constitution, treaty, etc.

bail: money, a bond, etc. deposited in the court to obtain the temporary release of an
arrested person on the assurance that the person on the assurance that the person will
obey the court's orders, as by appearing for trial

ballot box: a box in which people put their ballots after voting

bicameral: made up of or having two legislative chambers

bill: A raw law or draft of a law proposed to a parliament; a proposed law under
consideration by the legislature

by election: a special election which happens at a different time from a main election to
choose a member of parliament or representative to replace one who has died or left their
job

cabinet : A group of chosen members of a government , which is responsible for advising
and deciding on government policy

check and balance : extension of the separation of powers doctrine , under which each
branch of a government can counter the actions or decision of the other branches

chief justice: the head of the supreme court

citizen: a person who enjoys all the legal rights and privileges granted by a state to its
people

citizenship: a legal status and an identity of a citizen

civil rights: those rights guaranteed to the individual by the nation

civil society: the set of intermediate associations or voluntary forum of people working
for securing public interests and welfare by the their self efforts

constituent assembly: an assembly of people's representatives chosen by the people for
the formation of a new constitution, as designed by the people

constitution: the fundamental law through which a nation is governed

constitutional bodies: Entities provisioned in the constitution to run the nation in fair,
transparent and accountable manner

constitutional monarchy: a system of government in which the duties and functions of
monarchy are set in the constitution

council of ministers: cabinet or executive body of the government

constitutional council: the court that comprises the following:

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 215

i) Prime minister-chairperson

ii) The chief justice-member

iii) The speaker and deputy speaker of the house-members

iv) The chairperson of the National Assembly-member

iv) The leader of the opposition party in the parliament -member

district court: the court of first instance responsible for trying all the civil and criminal
cases of a district

draft : a rough or preliminary sketch of any task

Election Commission: a commission delegated to supervise and conduct all kind of
election in a country

election manifesto: published prospectus of a party setting out the policy, mission ,
vision and strategy for the election

election officer: an officer responsible to conduct the election

election: a formal and democratic process of choosing a person or a body for a certain
position as that of the parliament, etc.

electioneering: the activity of trying to persuade people to vote a particular political
party

electoral college: a group o people whose job is to choose political leader

electoral roll: the official list of people who are allowed to vote

electorate: all those qualified to vote in an election

EVM: (electronic voting machines) voting using electronic means in an election

executive: an organ of the government to implement the laws and maintain peace and
security in the country

FPTP: (first past the post) a voting system in which the candidate with the highest
number of votes gets elected

fundamental rights: basic rights provided to its citizens by the constitution to shape
one's personality which include right to life , liberty , speech , etc.

gazette: the official publication of news by the government

general election: an election usually held at regular intervals in which members of a
given political body are chosen for the parliament

high court: the second highest court in the country and highest in the province with the
power to issue necessary and appropriate orders , for the enforcement of the fundamental
rights conferred by the constitution

honorary citizenship: citizenship provided to a foreign citizen who has contributed to
increase the welfare, glory and prestige of Nepal

House of Representatives : lower house of the bicameral federal parliament of Nepal
having 275 members

216 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

human rights: rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of
residence , sex, national or ethnic origin , colour , religion, language or any other status

indigenous : native people of a particular place having distinct culture

interim constitution: a constitution which has not been completely satisfied but serves as
the law until a final constitution can be drafted

judicary: an organ of government that is endowed with the authority to interpret and
apply the law, adjudicate legal disputes, and otherwise, administer justice

Judicial Council: the council that makes recommendation or gives advice, in accordance
with the contribution, on the appointment of, transfer of, disciplinary action against, and
dismissal of, judges, and other matters relating to the administration of justice, and that
consists of:

The chief justice: chairperson

ii) The federal minister for law and justice: member

iii) The senior-most judge of the supreme court- member

iv) One jurist nominated by the president on the recommendation of the prime
minister-member

v) A senior advocate or advocate who has gained at least twenty years of experience and
appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Nepal Bar Association -
member

law: a bill passed by the legislature

legislature: organ of the government entrusted with the task of formulating and enacting
the laws

local election: an election which takes place at local level to choose the local body(rural
municipality and municipality)

mid term election: an election where the people elect or choose their parliamentary
representatives in the middle of the term of the executive

multiparty system: a democratic system in which multiple political parties have the
capacity to gain control of government separately or in coalition

National Assembly: upper house of the bicameral federal parliament of Nepal having 59
members

nationality: the legal status of belonging to a particular nation

natural citizenship: citizenship obtained by birth or descent

naturalized citizenship: citizenship provided to a foreign citizen married to a Nepali
citizen

non-residential citizenship : citizenship given to one who has acquired citizenship of a
foreign country and residing in a country which is a member of the SAARC and who or
whose father or mother , grandfather or grandmother was a citizen of Nepal by descent
or birth

NOTA: (none of the above) an option in an election to reject all the candidates or the party

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 217

ordinance: an executive decision of a government which has not been subjected to a
parliament

parliament: legislative body of the government elected by the people

parliamentary system: a system of democratic governance in which the government is
accountable to the parliament

petition: a formal written request

political party: a political organization, formed of people who share common political
beliefs, interests and goals

polling officer: the officer responsible to assist voters, help maintain order and provide
direction for a fair election

pooling booth: a temporary booth in a polling place which people enter to cast their
votes

precedent : a legal decision made by a court of authority (especially higher court) that
serves as an authoritative rule in future , similar case

Proportional representation: an electoral system in which the number of seats held by
a political group or party in a legislative body is determined by the number of popular
votes received

prosecutor: a government official who conducts criminal prosecution on behalf of the
state

referendum: a vote in which all the people in a country are asked to give their opinion
about or decide an important national issue

rule of law: a state of things in which everyone respects the law and where law has to
be followed by everyone collectively and individually by the citizen as well as the state

speaker of the house : The head in the house of representatives who runs the
parliamentary session

special court: a court created for special purpose, detail some basic procedures to
accomplish the trial and decision of the special types of cases in an expeditions , prompt
and effective manner

supreme court: The highest court( its decisions are final and take precedence over those
of all other judicial bodies in the country)

tribunal: a special court to settle certain types of dispute

unicameral: consisting of a single legislative chamber

vote of no confidence: a parliamentary motion put before a parliament by the opposition
in the hope of defeating or weakening government

constitutional amendment: changes made to an existing constitution which is passed by
the two-third members of the parliament

Voter's Identity Card: an identity card issued by the Election Commission to the eligible
voters in different election

218 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

6Unit

Our Earth
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On the completion of this unit, students will develop the following competencies:

●● To state the factors influencing world climate, to introduce the types of climate,
vegetations, wildlife and the impact of climate on lifestyles

●● To explain the physical, social and economic activities of North America, South
America and Africa and comparison to Nepal

●● To introduce earthquake and tsunami, their causes, effects and preventive measures
●● To introduce the modern and practical technology of maps and their utility

●● To draw the map of Nepal and fill different facts in the map of Nepal and world map

Teaching and evaluation scheme for the unit
Teaching periods ............................................. 27
Course weight ................................................ 15

Evaluation Grid for Final Testing

Type of Skills tested
ques-
tions Knowledge & Creative, criti- Application, Value Total no. Total Time (in
understand- cal thinking & practical & atti- of ques- mark allo- minutes)
Very
short ing analysis & research tude tions cation 26
Short skill
Long – – – –
3 4+4+7=15
1 1 1
– – 1 –

–

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 219

Lesson Types of World Climate and

6.1 Factors Affecting Them

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Pre-reading Activity

On January 21, 2015, the temperature of the Kathmandu valley dropped to 2 degree centigrade.
Someone said, “If global warming is real, it is so cold.” Obviously, you know the person is mistaken.
How would you explain the matter? What do you think is the difference between climate and
weather?

Reading

Climate is the average atmospheric condition of a place within a long period of time.
Climate changes with the revolution of earth. So, climate affects the vegetation and
people’s lifestyle as they have to adjust with the changing climate patterns. In different
types of climate, different plants grow. Climate also affects the type of wildlife found in a
particular climatic zone. Natural vegetation depends upon the nature and type of climate.
For example, mango trees grow in hot climate like in the Terai region whereas apple
grows in the Himalayan region.

There are natural and human factors that bring changes in climate. Climate also influences
our food habits, clothing and housing. Thus, the lifestyle of people varies according to the
climate of the place they live in. For example, the lifestyle among the Sherpa community
of the Himalayan region and Tharu community of the Terai region of Nepal is different.

There are 12 types of climate on the basis of latitudinal extension and 13 types of climate
on the basis of altitude. The table that depicts the status of climate found in the continent
in the northern pole of the earth has been presented below. Extension, area and direction
of climates can be understood from this table:

Tundra or
Polar Zone
Tundra or Polar Climate 900N
700N
Cool Temperate Oceanic Climate 600N

Temperate Cool Temperature Temperate Grassland St. Lawrence or 450N
Zone Manchurian Climate
300N
Mediterranean Temperate Desert China type of Climate
Climate Climate

Tropical Tropical Desert Climate Tropical Monsoon 200N
Zone Tropical Grassland Climate Climate 50N
00N
Equatorial Climate

220 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

There are three zones of climate on the basis of latitudinal extension, insolation and air
pressure in both the hemispheres of the earth. Thus, though there are three zones of
climate in one hemisphere, there are five zones altogether in both the hemispheres. Four
types of local climatic areas have been decided under every zone of climate in the world.

Factors Affecting the Climate

1. Latitude or Distance from Equator
The relative distance to the equator affects climate. If a place is far from the equator, it tends

to have a cold climate. On the contrary, if the place is closer to the equator, the temperature
tends to be hot. It is because the equatorial region receives vertical rays from the sun. So,
the region tends to be very hot. Regions that are further north or south from the equator
receive oblique rays from the sun. So, the temperature decreases gradually towards the
North or South Pole. Slanting rays reflect more heat from the sun. Generally, temperature
remains similar in places located in the same latitude. For example, if there is no other
factor affecting temperature, Luckhnow and Biratnagar tend to have similar temperature
and climate as both cities lie in the same latitude. Nepalgunj and Namche Bazaar, although
lie in the same latitude, have different temperature and climate. It is because of the altitude;
Namche Bazaar is in the higher altitude than Nepalgunj.

2. Altitude
The climate also depends upon the altitude of a place. Higher the altitude, lower the

temperature and vice-versa. In fact, the temperature decreases by 1ºC on each 165 m
height. It is because of the air pressure. There is lesser number of air molecules in
the high altitude to absorb the heat from the sun. So the temperature of plain areas
is hotter than the hilly or the Himalayan region. Nepal is very much affected by this
climate factor.
Similarly, there is more rainfall in the windward side whereas there is less rainfall in
leeward side. It affects even the temperature. This is the reason why the northern slope
is cooler than the southern slope. The windward side of the mountain slope has humid
climate whereas the leeward side has dry climate. Nepal's climate is humid because
of the southern windward slope of the Himalayas and Tibetan climate is dry due to
leeward slope of the Himalayas.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 221

3. Distance from the Sea
The places near the sea and oceans have mild type of constant climate over the year.

The temperature of water fluctuates at slow rate than the land. So the areas near the sea
or ocean remain cold in summer and hot in winter in comparison to land which is far
from sea. This is because of the regular occurrence of land breeze and sea breeze.
Similarly, the land that is very far from sea does not receive enough rain fall. As a
result, such land gradually turns into a desert. The Gobi desert of China is the example
of this process.

4. Sea Current
Sea current is another factor to influence the climate. The areas where the hot sea

current flows have hot climate. And the areas that receive cold sea currents tend to
have a cold and dry climate. For example, the eastern side of the USA has hot climate
due to hot ocean current whereas the western part lying at the same latitude has cold
climate due to cold sea currents.
222 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

5. Nature of Wind
The direction and nature of wind also affects the climate of a place. The place where sea

breeze flows has mild and humid climate and the place where land breeze flows has
hot and dry climate. The Mediterranean region receives rain in winter because of the
effects of westerlies. Trade winds which are usually dry do not bring rainfall. Similarly,
most summer monsoon brings rainfall in summer whereas dry winter monsoon wind
brings no rainfall.

6. Presence of Mountains
Mountains block the flow of wind, which may be cold, hot, humid or dry. As a result,

there can be different climate on the two sides of a mountain. For example, south of
the Himalayan region of Nepal is humid but the north side in Tibet is dry. So, Tibet
receives less amount of rainfall. Manang and Mustang of Nepal also lie in the leeward
side (rain shadow area) from Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalaya range. Hence,
these places have cold and dry climate.
7. Vegetation
The area with forests and vegetation is humid whereas the area without them is dry.
Vegetation is an element affecting local climate.
8. Oceanic Current
The oceanic coastal part having warm oceanic current has warm climate. But the area
where cold oceanic current flows is cold and dry. In the eastern coastal part warm
current flows, that is why there is warm and humid. But the western coast has cold
current and thus, climate is cold and dry.
9. Soil
Even the soil colour affects the climatic condition of local area. For example, the area
with black soil has warm climate and the area with white soil has cold climate.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 223

oblique Glossary
land breeze
- slanting
sea breeze - the coastal breeze blowing at night from land to sea, caused
westerly
by the difference in the rate of cooling of their respective
surfaces
- a wind blowing from the sea to land during the day when
the land surface is warmer
- moist wind that blows in winter

In-class Activity

Make a plan to climb a hill along with your friends and teachers. Get experience about the
climate and vegetation found there. Now write down the differences in vegetation and climate
found at the top and at the base of the hill.

Exercise

A Write short answers to the following questions.
1. What is climate? How is climate different from weather?
2. What are the major factors that affect climate? Explain any one of them.

3. Give geographical reasons.

a. Nepalgunj and Taplejung are located on the same latitude but have
different temperature.

b. Mango trees do not grow in the Himalayan region and apple does not
grow in the Terai region.

c. The northern side of a mountain remains dry.
d. Eastern Nepal receives more rainfall than western Nepal.
e. People’s social life varies in terms of climate variation.

4. Write down the climatic features of your area.
5. 'The climate of the windward slope of the mountain is humid.' Justify the

statement with examples.
6. How does soil affect the climate? Justify with reasons.
7. The climatic zones are determined by the latitude. Write down the name of

different zones in the given figure.

A
B
C

D

E

224 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

Lesson Climate and Natural
Vegetation Zones
6.2
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Pre-reading Activity

Look at the two plants given below. Discuss and decide in what kind of climate each plant grows.
Explain your views with reasons.

Reading

As you can see in the pictures,
these two plants are entirely
different. Vegetations have to
adapt to a particular type of
climate. As a result, they develop
special types to roots, stems, and
leaves to adjust with the climate.
That means climate heavily affects
the types of vegetation we find in
a particular area. In the previous
lesson, we learned about the factors
affecting climate. It is equally
important to note that climate also
affects vegetation, that is, plants,
flora and fauna. For example, the
forest near the equator tends to be
dense and evergreen because of the hot and humid climate. In contrast in desert areas,
vegetation remains sparse and plants tend to be small and thorny. Example, the southern
part of Annapurna Himalaya range and northen part of Manang and Mustang district of
Nepal. The inner parts in the temperate region receive comparatively less rainfall which
makes it favourable for extended grasslands. In the Mediterranean region, trees develop
deep roots, thick bark and shining leaves to protect from hot and dry summer. In the

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 225

Alpine region, plants have needle-shaped leaves drooping down to protect from snowfall.
The forest found in Nepal varies from one region to another. For example, in the Terai, we
have dense evergreen forest whereas, in the Himalayan region, we have tundra type of
forest. Growth and distribution of vegetation always influences the climatic condition of
a particular place. Hence, vegetation is the product, of the climate.

The following is the chart that shows types of climate:

Climate

Tropical Climate Temperate Climate Polar Climate

●● Equatorial region ●● Mediterranean region ●● Siberian Climatic Region
●● Tropical desert ●● Temperate grasslands ●● Tundra Climatic Region
●● Tropical grassland ●● Temperate coastal ●● Antarctic Climatic Region
●● Tropical monsoon ●● Temperate monsoon

Climate belts and types of vegetation have been given here. You can compare the climate
and nature of plants.

Vegetation Patterns of the World

Polar
Temperate
Arid
Tropical
Mediterranean
Mountains

Identify the following regions in the given diagram

• Equatorial evergreen forest • Savannah grassland with scattering trees

• Prairies, steppes and pampas grassland • Some special plants in deserts
• Mediterranean forest, scrub • Himalayan region with special plants
• Broad leaves, simple forest • Pine trees
• Tundra forest • Snow covered area.

226 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

90°

Snow covered area 70°
Pine trees 60°

Broad leaves Prairies, steppes Broad leaves 45°
forest grassland forest

Mediterranean Temperate desert Temperate 30°
forest monsoon

Tropical desert 20°

Tropical grassland Tropical 5°
monsoon 0°

Equatorial dense forest

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 227

humid Glossary
sparse
- moisture in the air; wet
- present in small amount

In-class Activity

In a group of 5-10 students, take a walk outside the premises of your school. Make a list of
plants you see. And then find out what kind of vegetation your area has and how it is related
to the climate pattern existing in the area. Share your findings with the class.

Exercise

A. Write short answers to the following questions.
1. What is vegetation? What relationship is there between climate and

vegetation?

2. Write some features of major vegetation system of the world.

3. Nature of plants depends upon the type of climate. Give reasons with
examples.

4. The forest of equatorial region is evergreen type while it’s deciduous in nature
in the Hilly region of Central Asia, Rocky Mountain and Andes Mountain
range. Give reasons.

5. Give the features and names of following vegetation.
Grassland, Amazon forest, Cactus, Pine trees

6. Take an outline map of the world and locate the vegetation systems given in
the lesson in your outline map.

7. Write a letter to your real or imaginary foreign friend, introducing the climate
and vegetation found in Nepal.

228 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

Lesson Tropical Zone

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Pre-reading Activity

Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Angola, Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, India, etc. lie in the tropical zone. Find out the
common physical characteristics of these nations.

Reading

The tropical zone lies between 300 N and 300S latitudes and stretches on both sides of the
equator. Excluding the other factors like altitude, the temperature of this region is hot and
humid. This zone can be further divided into the following regions:

1. Equatorial Climate Region

This climate is found on both sides
of equator up to 50 latitude. The sun
rays fall directly year round, so it
remains very hot throughout the
year. The average temperature stays
about 30º C with 3 to 40 fluctuation.
As a result of heat, the air near the
surface goes upward, which is humid
in nature. It causes heavy rainfall
every afternoon, with strong wind and
thunderstorms. This type of rainfall is
called convectional rainfall. Due to the regular rainfall, humid air and hot temperature,
the region has hundreds of types of flora and fauna. It is said that more than 90 percent of
world’s biodiversity exists here. The forest is very dense. There are basically three layers
of forest: bushes, shrubs and tall trees. Trees tend to be hard and tall up to 30 meters, ideal
for timber. The Congo River basin, Amazon basin, Java, Sumatra and Barriers of East Asia
fall within this climatic zone. This climate is also called the Amazon type of climate.

2. Tropical Grassland Region

This type of climatic zone is mostly found in the
African region between 50 to 200 latitude in both
the hemispheres. The region mostly is grassland,
known as Savannah. Similar type of grassland
in South America and Australia is called tropical
woodland. Sudan (Africa), the plateau of South
Africa, the Brazilian Highlands, the Orinico Basin,
theinnerpartofNorthAustralia,Deccanandlowline
plateaus fall under this region. In these regions,

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 229

basically there are two seasons: summer and winter.
The summer season is very hot with light rainfall.
The rainfall ranges between 50 cm and 150 cm. The
winter season is dry and warm. Being dry areas, large
trees cannot grow here. So most of these regions are
covered with grassland with scattered trees across the
land. To adapt to the dry climate, grass and trees have
long roots; trees have extended trunk that help them
store water for a long time. Similarly, the trees tend to
have large umbrella-like branches that protect them
from scorching heat. The tropical grasslands are found in different parts of the world.
In Orinoco basin of South America it is called Llanos, in Brazilian Highland it is called
Campos, in South Africa it is called veld and in Mid-Africa region it is called Savanna.
Various wild animals such as zebra, lion, leopard, giraffe, and deer are found in this
region. The African Savannah is the home of both carnivorous and herbivorous animals
and has become famous as the zoo of the world. As this climate is mainly spread to the
Sudan region of Africa, it is also called the Sudan climate.

3. Tropical Desert Climatic Region

Between the latitude of 200 to 300 on both sides of the equator, tropical desert climate
region is found. The temperature is very high with dry air. So this region has vast
areas of desert on northern hemisphere: Sahara, Arabia, Thar, California and Sonoran.
In southern hemisphere, there are Namib, Kalahari, Atacama, and Western Australian
deserts with tropical desert climate. There are some places covered with sands where
temperature rises up to 40-50º centigrade. Due to vast land, the temperature may fall
to 5-10º C in winter season. Days are extremely hot and nights are extremely cold. The
annual rainfall is less than 250 mm.

Thorny plants like cactus and other plants with rough leaves are found scattered all over
the region. Their leaves are modified to spines to check the rate of transpiration. They have
thick stem to store the water. Animals like fox, rat, snakes and birds are found in this zone.
The animals stay in burrows during the day and come out at night as the temperature
decreases down to 00C during nights. They eat other animals, plants and roots and fulfill
the required liquid in their body. The birds also live in the thorny plants and suck the
liquid for water.

4. Tropical Monsoon Climatic Region

This type of climate is found between 5º and 30º latitudes on both hemispheres, mainly
in South Asia and South-East Asia, North Australia, South-East Africa. South West Africa,

230 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

South-East Brazil, Caribbean Region
and Eastern island region.

The climate is hot and humid with
plenty of rainfall in summer and
cold and dry in winter. The summer
rainfall ranges between 50 cm and 200
cm. Central Asia receives vertical sun
rays during summer so that the air
pressure remains lower than in the Indian
Subcontinent and the Pacific region. The
wind blows from ocean to land which causes
regular rainfall in East Asia. But during the
winter, the air pressure in Central Asia is
higher than in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Therefore, the wind that blows from sea
to land tends to be dry and does not cause
rainfall. However, the westerly wind if blows
causes the rainfall in winter season.

This region has three different seasons. They
are summer, rainy and winter. The region
has mostly deciduous forest. The trees shed
leaves in winter and bear new leaves at the
beginning of summer. In some parts where rainfall occurs frequently, evergreen forest is
found. The commonly found animals of this region are tigers, leopards, deer, bears, one
horn rhino, and elephant. This region is also rich in different species of birds.

Glossary

convectional rainfall - the rainfall caused due to heating and cooling effect of air

scorching - burning

In-class Activity

The tropical zone has greatest diversity of plant life on earth. Discuss why.

Exercise

A. Write short answers to the following questions.
1. What are the climate patterns found in the tropical zone? Explain.
2. Write names of at least two countries that lie in each region of the tropical

zone.
3. Give geographical reasons for the following:

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 231

a. The trunks of the trees in the Savannah region are large and extended.

b. Conventional rainfall occurs daily in the equatorial region.

c. Tropical grassland is called the zoo of the world.

d. During winter season, the temperature falls down to 15-10ºC in the
Kalahari Desert.

4. Make a table to show the features of each climate found in tropical zone.

5. How do the animals living in tropical desert climate adapt to dry season?

6. Why is a variety of forests found in the tropical monsoon climate?

7. The tropical monsoon climate is suitable for agriculture. Give reasons.

8. In which climatic region does Nepal lie? Mention its characteristics.

9. Why are thorny plants and cactus with rough leaves found only in the
Tropical Desert? Compare the vegetation found in your region with that of
the Tropical Desert.

10. Why are the birds of the Tropical Grassland skilled in running than flying?
Give reasons.

11. Mention the relationship between the climate and vegetation of the Tropical
Monsoon Region. Though Nepal also lies in the Tropical Monsoon Region,
why is there great variation in the vegetations of the Himalaya, the Hilly and
the Terai region?

12. 'The Tropical Monsoon Region is favourable for human health and agricultural
activities.' Justify the statement with examples.

B. Write long answers to the following questions.

1. Show the following deserts in a map of the world.

Kalahari, Sahara, Thar, Atacama, Arabia, Australian Desert, Gobi, Namib
Desert, California Desert

2. Make a comparison between all the regions of the Tropical Zone.

Self-discovery: Project Work

On the basis of what you have learned about climates found in Nepal in previous
classes, make a comparative chart between the climates found in Nepal and the
climates found in the tropical zone.

232 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

Lesson Lifestyle in the
Tropical Zone
6.4

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Pre-reading Activity

Imagine that you are going to migrate to an area where there is either extremely cold climate or
extremely hot climate. Then, briefly write what you will be doing? What will you be wearing, eating,
and spending leisure? Reflect how climate will compel you to change your habits and lifestyle.

Reading

People and their lifestyles largely depend on the climate pattern of the area they live in.
The Tropical zone has varied climate. As a result, people of diverse races and origins
live here with distinct lifestyles. The lifestyles of people living in various climates in the
tropical zone have been explained below:

1. Equatorial Region and Human Life

Although human civilization began in the equatorial
region long ago, an unfavourable climate affected the
development of human society. The human settlement
in this region is sparse and scattered. Agriculture,
animal rearing, woodcraft, and collecting wild
products are the main occupations of people of this
region. Nomadic life and shifting cultivation are also
practised in this region. People mostly grow rubber,
coconut, cocoa, sugarcane, and tobacco. They also
collect wild foods, roots and catch fishes. These activities show that their lifestyle
is primitive. The native Indians of the Amazon basin and the pygmies of the Congo
basin are the examples of these people. Through their lifestyle, they have adapted to
hot and humid climate.

The eastern Islands are well-developed and modernized with modern technology.
Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore are the developed countries having
the tropical equatorial climate. These are island nations and the climate is favourable
for the growth of human life.

2. Tropical Grassland (Savannah)

This region is not so much developed. There is
scarcity of water and lack of vegetation. Therefore,
people mostly live a nomadic life and follow shifting
pattern of cultivation. They move their residences in
one or two years in search of pastures for their cattle.
Some have followed agriculture and live a settled life.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 233

Masai of Kenya, Tasmania, and Uganda as well as Hausa of Nigeria are notable
examples of people living such lifestyles.

Savannah grassland is home to diverse kinds of birds and animals. There are national
parks and wildlife reserves that attract a large number of tourists from across the
world. Due to the impact of global economy and globalization, many people in this
region follow modern agriculture. Specially, investors from developed countries rent
arable land and undertake commercial farming. They export agricultural products:
tea, coffee, cocoa and meat to western countries.

3. Tropical Desert Region

About one billion people live in deserts. In this
region, the climate remains hot and dry: Most of
the areas are covered with sand and rocky soil.
So, this region is not suitable for agriculture.
Some lands are utilized for agriculture using river
and underground water, called oasis. An oasis is
a fertile region in a desert formed or irrigated by
a source of fresh water. Houses are constructed
around the oasis in a compact form. Some of the
people or communities are nomadic and change their residency in different desert
areas. Some live around mines by making permanent houses. Deserts are very rich
in minerals and petroleum products. People raise sheep, goat, horse and camel. The
camel is the most important animal: the source of milk, meat, and hide. Moreover,
camel is the important means of transportation in deserts. The camel stores water in
its hump. The hump is also source of nutrition during shortage of food. It has long
eye lashes to protect from sand. Its flat hoofs help to walk on sand and it can live for
many days without water. So it is called the ship of the desert.

4. Tropical Monsoon Region
The climate in this region is suitable for

agriculture. There is high population density in
this region. Most of the countries are agricultural.
The vast plain land, irrigation facility, plenty
of rainfall, moderate temperature, and fertile
soil have made the region ideal for agriculture.
Similarly, this region contains large population
because of which cheap labour for agriculture is
easily available. While rice, wheat, maize, barely,
and pulses are the major food crops, people also grow jute, tea, sugarcane, and
tobacco as cash crop. Many people are involved in tourism industry. This region
is rich in cultural diversity. Many ancient human civilizations were developed in
this region, especially in the Indus Valley and on the banks of the Hwang Ho River.
Some of the main religions of the world—Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism – were
developed in this region. Therefore, this region is rich in natural resources and
cultural diversity.

234 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

nomadic Glossary
pasture
arable - moving from place to place
cocoa - a large area for animals to graze
- suitable for crops
- a brown powder made from roasted cocoa beans that is used in

chocolate and beverage

In-class Activity

The Savannah grassland is often featured in posters, movies, and adventure dramas. Many
television channels such as National Geography, Discovery, and Animal Planet often show
programs on Savannah wildlife. Choose one of such shows and write a review of the program.
In your review, mention what you saw, felt, and thought about the show.

Exercise

A. Write short answers to the following questions.

1. Name the native people of the equatorial region.
2. What is the major occupation of the people of tropical grassland. Explain.
3. Tropical monsoon is also called the cradle of civilization. Justify the statement.

4. Why do the people of the tropical desert climate frequently change their
residences?

5. How are Eastern islands compared to the tropical desert region in terms of
economic activities?

6. Which region does the given figure represent? What are the economic features
of this region?

7. Give geographical reasons for the following statements.

a. There is high population density in the tropical monsoon climate.

b. There is a great possibility of tourism development in Savannah Grassland.

c. Houses are built closely to each other in certain areas of desert land.

d. The camel is the most useful animal in the desert.

8. Write down the major civilizations developed in the Tropical Monsoon
Region.

9. What are the reasons behind the development of tourism industry in the
Tropical Grassland.

10. Though there lies a great prospect of tourism in the Savanna Region, some
people there are still enjoying the old traditions. What sort of programs
should be launched to uplift the living standard of the people over there?

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 235

Lesson Temperate Zone

6.5 -;dzLtfi] 0f k|bz] _

Pre-reading Activity

The natural vegetation in the temperate zone is grasses. The grasslands vary in size from country to
country. In the prairies and pampas, the grasses are tall whereas in the steppes the grasses are short.
What makes the temperate region favourable for different grasses? Discuss in the class.

Reading

This zone lies between 300 to 600 latitudes on both hemispheres. The temperature is
moderate and mild, i.e. climates are without extremes of temperature and precipitation.
The coastal regions are more humid than the mid-land areas. The maritime (coastal)
climate is strongly influenced by the oceans. Continental climate (mid-land) has warmer
summers and colder winters.

The following types of climates are generally found in this region:

1. Mediterranean Climate

The Mediterranean climate is found in
areas ranging from 30º to 45º latitudes in
the northern hemisphere and 30º to 40º
latitudes in the southern hemisphere. This
type of climate is hot and dry in summer
and warm and humid in winter. It is mostly
because of the influence of the western
wind. Therefore, this region receives more
rainfall in winter than in summer. Places around the Mediterranean Sea (South of
Europe and north of Africa), California, mid-Chile, and South-west of Australia fall
under this climatic zone.

Because of hot and dry summer, the trees in this region have long roots, thick bark,
smooth and small leaves, and thorny stems. These features help the plants adapt to
dry climate. Near the coastal areas, however, there are evergreen forests. Cork, oak,
maple, and olive trees are the main plants of this region. Similarly, citrus fruits,
grapes and other sweet fruits grow in this region in abundance. Rice, wheat, barley,
and oil seeds are other agricultural products.

2. Temperate Grassland Climate

This climate is found in areas lying in
the middle of the continents, between
450 and 600 north latitudes and 300 to 400
south latitudes. This type of climate is
predominantly found in the south of
Russia and west of Europe, plateaus of

236 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

South Africa, south-west of Australia, the middle part of North America and south-
east part of South America. The temperature rises up to 250 centigrades in summer
and drops far below the freezing point in winter. There are vast grasslands in this
climate belt. The grassland of mid-Asia is called steppe, prairies in North America,
and pampas in South America, downs in Australia and veld in South Africa. The soil
is very fertile here as the grass dies and decomposes. These lands are very famous
for wheat production.

3. Temperate Coastal Climate/Oceanic Climate/Marine or Maritime

The temperate coastal climate is found between
450 and 600 north latitudes and 400 to 500 south
latitudes. This sort of climate is very good for
human health and is found in West Europe, West
Canada, Chile, Tasmania Island and South New
Zealand. As summers are not so hot and winters
are not so cold, this climate is very pleasant and
healthy. On average, the temperature fluctuates
slightly. Due to oceanic influence, the region
receives rainfall throughout the year. The major factors of rainfall in this region are
temperate oceanic cycle and westerly wind. It has mixed vegetation with coniferous
forest in the hilly region and deciduous forest in the plain region.

4. Laurentian Climate

This type of climate is found only in the northern
hemisphere in two different regions. One is
north-east of North America that include Eastern
Canada (Newfoundland) and North-east Asia
(Maritime provinces and New England states).
The other is eastern coast-land of Asia that
include Eastern Siberia, North China, Manchuria,
Korea and Northern Japan.

The climate is cold and little dry in winter and warm and wet in summer Rainfall
takes place throughout the year due to oceanic influence. The annual rainfall is
75-150 cm.

5. Temperate Monsoon Climate (China-type Climate)

The temperate monsoon climate is found
between 30º and 45º north latitude and 30º
and 40º south latitude. Temperate monsoon
climate is found around the coastal region
of the Pacific Ocean. East Asian countries
like China, Korea, Japan, South-east
Australia and south-eastern part of the USA
(the Atlantic coastal region) are some of the
places that fall within this climatic zone.
This climatic zone covers a vast area of China. Hence, it is also called the China-type
of climate.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 237

Summers are hot and winters are cold. Rainfall occurs in summer due to the
oceanic monsoon wind. The winter is dry. Deciduous forest is found in the region
of more rainfall and bushes and grasses are found in the region of less rainfall. The
vegetations of this region are very good for sericulture.

Glossary

mid-land - the central region; the interior region
staple - major

In-class Activity

List out any 15 nations that lie in the temperate zone.

Exercise

A. Write short answers to the following questions.
1. Write about the features of trees found in the Mediterranean region.
2. Compare the grasslands of North America, South America, Asia and

Australia. Why is each area famous?
3. Give geographical reasons for the following statements.
a. Mediterranean region receives more rainfall in winter season.
b. Temperate monsoon is good for sericulture.
c. Grasslands are very useful for farming staple crops.
d. Temperate coastal region receives rainfall throughout the year.
e. There is less temperature difference in temperate coastal areas.

B. Write long answers to the following questions.

1. Make a comparison between different regions of the temperate zone.

2. List out the major characteristics of all the regions of the temperate zone.

3. Locate the following places on the outline map of the world.

St Lawrence climate, steppe, prairies, pampas, winter rainfall area, Massai
and Hausa settlement areas, temperate coastal region

4. What is Mediterranean type of climate? How do plants in the Mediterranean
region adapt to dry climate.

5. List out the major grasslands of the Temperate Grassland and show them in
an outline map of the world.

238 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

Lesson Lifestyle in
Temperate Zone
6.6
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Pre-reading Activity

The temperate zone is considered as an ideal place for human settlement. Find out the special
features that have made the zone favourable for the settlement.

Reading

A vast majority of the world's human population resides in the temperate zone. The plain
land, fertile soil and plenty of rainfall make this region ideal for agriculture. There are
commercial farm lands and traditional agricultural areas. The region has many developed
and modern cities as well. People grow staple crops, cash crops and fruits. The population
density is very high and, in fact, the majority of world’s population lives in this region.
However, the region has also seen massive deforestation due to population pressure.

1. Mediterranean Region

The Mediterranean region occupies only 1% of
the total area but it gives home to 5% of the total
population. The major cultivations of this region
are grains and fruits. Oaks, olives and figs are the
chief trees found in this region. Olive oil is used for
cooking. The westerly wind has favoured the growth
of different citrus fruits like grapes, oranges, lemon,
apricots, limes, etc. Large scale production of grapes
has led to the production of different varieties of
wine. 70% of the export of citrus fruits takes place from this region. Hence, it is called
‘Garden of the world’ or ‘Orchard of the world’.

With fine climate and fertility of soil, shores of Mediterranean have long been suited for human
occupation. The coastal plains are good for wheat, barley and other crops. The farming is
intensive and highly mechanized. The region is also very good in tourism.

2. Temperate Grassland

As the region lies in the interior of the continents, it
receives scanty rainfall. This results in the growth of
grasses which later decay and change into humus.
This humus rich in organic matter makes it favorable
for the growth of wheat. As the wheat is produced
in a very extensive form, its export takes place in
large scale. Hence it is called the ‘Bread basket of the
world’ or ‘Granary of the world’. The USA, Canada,

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 239

Argentina and Australia are major exporters of wheat. Maize is also grown in the warmer
parts. Likewise, barley, oilseeds and tobacco also grow well. Animal farming has led to
the export of meat and dairy products from Argentina, New Zealand and Australia in
a large scale. For this refrigerated holds are used in ships. As the society is developed,
people use modern technology and machines in every sector of life.

3. Temperate Coastal Climate

Due to the suitable climate for living, the population is very
dense. The region is highly developed and industrialized.
People have modern life style and use modern technology.
People use machines in most economic activities.

4. Laurentian Climate

People in this region practise mixed farming. Besides
forestry and agriculture, fruit farming is also popular.
Fishing has developed on a commercial scale along the
coast of Japan, north-eastern USA and Newfoundland
of Canada. The presence of planktons, which grow in
abundance in the area of convergence of warm and
cold currents make this region rich in fishing. Japan is a
major exporter of fish.

Industrialization has well developed in north-eastern USA and Japan. Agriculture is done
mainly in summer. Barley, oats and potatoes are the major crops in North America region
and soya beans, mulberry and oil seeds are cultivated in Asian region.

5. Temperate Monsoon Climate (China-type Climate)

There is high population density in this region with large
human settlement. People live in modern houses and use
technology.

Cotton and tobacco are grown and exported in large scale.
Sugarcane is an important crop in the east coast of South
Africa. The USA is the leading producer of oil and coal in
the world. Rice is the most important crop that is grown
in this region. Modern equipment is used for agricultural
operations.

refrigerated hold Glossary
plankton
- an enclosed space on a vessel for storing fish

- the small or microscopic organism found floating near
the surface of water and is the major source of food for
fish

240 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

In-class Activity

Study the following pictures. Write about the climate zone that the activities shown in the
picture suggest.

Exercise

A. Write short answers to the following questions.
1. Which region is called the orchard of the world? Write with reasons.
2. 'Temperate Grassland is called the granary of the world.' Give reasons.
3. Why are societies in the temperate zone more developed than other zones?

Give reasons.
4. Give geographical reasons to the following statements.
a. Australia exports large amount of wool, meat, and milk to the world.
b. Argentina exports wheat and meat to Europe.
c. Mediterranean countries are famous for wine production.
5. Countries around the Mediterranean Region are getting more economic

benefits due to production of wine in a large scale from fruits. Why and how
may it have been possible? Present your views.
B. Write long answer to the following question.
1. Compare economic activities of the people of different regions of the
Temperate Zone.

Self-discovery: Project Work
Write down the similarities and differences between the economic activities of the
people in your community now and 15 years ago.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 241

Lesson Polar Zone

6.7 -zLt k|b]z_

Pre-reading Activity

Wolves are the top predators of the Arctic tundra, and polar bears dominate the frozen waters
deeper in. Seals, killer whales, sea lions, walruses, and narwhals can all be commonly spotted
feeding on the fish in the Arctic circle. The animals in Antarctica live on a very carnivorous diet.

National Geography

Now, name the birds that are found in cold arctic region.

Reading

This region lies between 60° and 90° latitudes
and stretches over both hemispheres. As
the slanted rays fall almost throughout the
year, this region remains extremely cold. As
temperature falls below zero, the climate is
extremely cold. There is no rainfall due to the
blow of cold and dry air. The entire region is
covered with ice. The area around the Arctic
and Antarctic Circles is covered with thick
layers of snow. In some parts of the northern
polar oceanic region and Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland and other areas of the southern
regions, there are ice-hills as high as 4 km. Due to summer solstice and winter solstice
the days and nights are much longer. During summer solstice the southern polar region
remains dark and during winter solstice the northern polar region remains dark. The
region is covered with permafrost and is also called snow cold desert. Tall vegetation is
hardly found. Somewhere mosses and lichens are found. On the basis of location and
climate the polar zone is divided into three regions.

1. Siberian Climatic Region

This region is famous for Taiga forest.
This sort of climate is mainly found
in Siberia, Alaska and southern part
of Canada. Summer remains for four
months and winters are longer which
remain for eight months.

Taiga, also known as coniferous or boreal
forest, is the terrestrial biome that lies
between Tundra and Temperate forest
between 60° to 70° latitude in the northern hemisphere. It stretches in a broad band
across the northern part of North America, Europe and Asia. Annual precipitation

242 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

is relatively high and varies from 25 cm to 75 cm. Precipitation takes place as snow
during winter and rain during summer. Rain occurs because of the cyclonic weather.
Long, cold winters, and short, mild, wet summers are its special feature.

The Taiga has less diversity in plant life due to harsh climate. Vegetation is dominated
by cone bearing trees such as pines, spruces and firs. Other deciduous species
include oak, birch, willow, alder, etc. Conifers (cone bearing) have pointy shape
to allow the winter snow slide and slip down easily. Mooses, lynx, bears, foxes,
squirrels are the major animals of this region. The Taiga region is comparatively
sparsely populated. Moscow, Toronto, Ottawa, Helsinki, etc. are the major cities of
this region. The major industries of the Taiga region are lumbering, mining and
hydroelectric development. Lumbering is the major economic activity during the
winter. For this heavy machines are used. The pine trees are taken to the pulp mills
to make paper.

3. Tundra Climatic Region

Tundra is the vast region in the

northern hemisphere that consists

of the treeless regions in the north

and high mountains between 70°

and 90° latitude. Because of the low

temperatures, the ground is frozen. penguins seal
It lies between the ice-cap and the

taiga region. This biome stretches across northern Canada and Alaska, Siberia and

northern Scandinavia.

Winters are very long, 9 to 10 months with temperatures as low as –35°C. Summers
are short and exist for 2 or 3 months. Rainfall is scanty and precipitation takes place
in the form of snow. The vegetation of tundra is low growing and consists mainly of
sedges, grasses, dwarf shrubs, wild flowers, mosses and lichens.

Due to extreme cold and shortage of food, only a few
species of animals are found. Animals and birds like
arctic foxes, polar bears, gray wolves, caribou, snow-
geese, musk-oxen, seals, penguins, etc. are found in
this region. The animals of this region have a thick
layer of oily fat under their skin and fur to keep their
body warm.

Human life is sparse in this region. In the northern

Canada and northern Eurasia, indigenous people called

the ‘Inuits’ and the “Eskimos’ are found. These people

have their own lifestyle. They catch fish and seals for

their food. They use seal skin to make clothes and tents

for houses. Such houses made in the summer are called igloo
tupiks. Similarly, in winter they make houses out of ice

blocks called igloos. However, with the influence of Europeans and Americans, the

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 243

lifestyle of these people is changing. These days people
also live permanently around mines by making modern
houses with cozy rooms. Different schools have been
opened for Eskimos' children. They use modern
equipment for hunting the animals.

3. Antarctic Climatic Region

This climate is only found in the southern hemisphere between 66º and 90º south
latitude. It is very cold throughout the year. The main area of this region is Antarctica
continent where the temperature falls below 45 0C. This region is not suitable for
human settlement. However, many scientists and researchers go there frequently to
study and carry out research activity.

biome Glossary
precipitation
cozy - plants and animals in a particular environment
lumbering - water that falls as snow, rain, etc.
pulp - comfortable
- the act of cutting and sawing wood
- a soft, wet part of wood

In-class Activity

Imagine that you are going on a study expedition of the cold Himalaya region. Make a
plan for your travel and stay there. Include information related to the region, what you
need to take there, and what you want to study. Present your plan to the class.

Exercise

A. Write short answers to the following questions.
1. Briefly describe the vegetation found in the Polar Zone.
2. Describe the main economic activities of this Zone.
3. Who are Eskimos? How do they protect themselves from cold?
4. How is Taiga important economically? Write about the features of this type of

forest.
5. What is responsible for the changes in the lifestyle of Inuit people?
6. How can seals and penguins survive in a cold climate? Describe.

244 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

7. What is lumbering? Write its importance.
8. What do you call the houses of Eskimos in winter and summer? Write in

short.
9. Compare three different regions of the Polar Zone.
10. 'The Polar Zone remains extremely cold throughout the year." Explain with

reasons.
11. Find out the nations that lie in the Polar Zone and show them in an outline

map of the world.
12. Why has Antarctica become the centre of attraction for many scientists and

researchers?
13. The lifestyle of Inuits living in the northern Polar region is changing day by

day. Analyse the reason.
14. Write down the economic importance of the Taiga region.
15. The people living in the northern Polar region are the citizens of rich and

developed nations, yet they are not touched by modernization. Write down
the reasons.
16. List out the similarities and differences between the backward people of your
community and the people living in the northern polar region.
17. Explain the vegetation found in the Taiga region.
18. Why are penguins only found in Antarctica? Give reasons.
19. Mention the major economic activities of the people in the Polar Zone.

Self-discovery: Project Work
Form two different groups in classroom. Ask one group to write the similarities
between the Taiga forest and the forest found in your location and the other group
to write the differences. Then present in the class.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 245

Lesson World Vegetation
and Wildlife
6.8
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Pre-reading Activity

Divide the class into two groups. One group will write the name of any five types of vegetation and
other group will write the names of any five animals found in the surroundings. Now write down
the adaptive features of both the plants and animals and draw out the conclusion.

Interrelationship between Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife

Climate affects the features of vegetation. Vegetation is found according to the climate of
the area. Tropical evergreen forest grows in hot and humid areas. They are hard wood.
Conversely, coniferous forest are soft wood which are available in cold climate. Similarly,
there is deciduous forest in areas where it is hot in summer and cold in winter. Climate of
the area determines forest, species, types, number of the wildlife.

There are mainly three types of forest in the world. They are:

a. Evergreen Forest

In tropical humid and hot areas throughout the
year with more than 200 cm rainfall, evergreen
hard wooded, thinly branched, umbrella shaped
large trees are found. Rubber, teak, sal, mahogany,
rose wood and ebony are the kinds of vegetation
found here. Similarly, elephants, tigers, bears,
rhinoceroses, pythons, crocodiles, various species
of snakes, peacocks and peahens and cranes are found here.

b. Deciduous Forest

It is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. In
the areas where it has an average 100 cm rainfall,
vegetation like oak, beech, maple with the new shoots
coming forth in the summer and deciduous nature in
the winter are found. New shoots come forth in the
summer as the summer is warm and humid whereas
leaves of the plants fall off as they cannot bear cold
because it is cold and dry in the winter. There are cheetahs, monkeys, jackals, crows,
herons, sharons, sparrows, salaks, etc.

246 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

c. Coniferous Forest

Evergreen coniferous forest is found
in cold areas with an average of 50 cm
annual rainfall. The forest with soft
wooded pine trees spread to countries
Canada, Norway, Russia and high
mountain areas of Nepal in the northern
part of the northern hemisphere of the
earth is called Taiga. Pine, fir and spruce
are the major species of vegetation found here. Snow leopards, polar bears and
ducks are the major wildlife found here.

Glossary

humid - moisture in the air; wet
shoot - the part of a new plant that has just grown above the ground

In-class Activity

Fill in the given table with necessary facts:

Types of forest Major vegetations Major wild animals

Exercise

A. Write short answers to the following questions.

1. Present in a table the differences between the Evergreen Forest and the
Deciduous Forest.

2. There is great economic importance of the Coniferous Forest. Write with
reasons.

3. Nepal has all three types of forest. Write down the names of the vegetation
found in those forests.

4. Vegetations are affected by the climate. Which are the different aspects of
vegetation in your community that are affected by the climate? List out in
points.

Self-discovery: Project Work
1. In your community, there might be some active groups working for the protection

of forest. Find out their different activities carried out to preserve the forest.

2. Collect the name of at least 12 different vegetations found in your locality. Study
the nature of those vegetations and discuss in the class.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 247

Lesson Climate and the Impact of
6.9 Topographical Diversity on
World Lifestyle

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Pre-reading Activity

Get into small groups of 4-5 students and work out a plan to invest a fund of Rs. 1000000 to improve
each of following facilities in your school: library, cafeteria, classroom equipment, and playground.
Give reasons as to why you want to invest the amount in each area.

Situation 1
Inuits people living in developed countries like Russia and
Canada in cold areas of the northern polar region are backward.
Hunting with traditional domestic weapons, making clothes
and tents out of the skin of seal and searching roots have been
their daily activities.

Situation 2
People living in temperate climatic zone of Europe, North
America and Asia are more advanced and more educated as
compared to the people in other parts of the world. The people
in this area have made scientific discoveries and inventions.
Larger and modern economic and physical development
activities have been taking place in this area.

Situation 3
The Red Indians in the Amazon basin and the Pygmies in the
coastal region of Guinea area still follow primitive lifestyle. It is
their daily routine to hunt with bows, arrows and spears. The
nature of life is nomadic.

Climate and topographical diversities have direct effects on human life. Aspects of food
habits, attire, civilization, occupation, religion, culture, development activities, economic
activities, etc. have been affected by them. People living in cold climate and remote hilly
terrain are laborious, daring and tolerant. That is the reason why the Europeans are
energetic.

The people living in the mountainous region of Nepal are world famous for adventurous
activities due to the effect of topography and climate. The people living in the hot climate
and plain landform are relatively less daring those of cold and extreme climate. The people
have to be adventurous and laborious because of natural challenges they face. Lifestyle
and human nature have become different because there are either less challenging tropical

248 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10

and plain landforms. The difference of lifestyle in the mountainous, the hilly and the Terai
regions are due to the impact of climate and topography. Similarly, the lifestyle in the
polar region and the equatorial region are backward as compared to the other regions of
the earth due to the effect of climate and topography.

Even the rites and rituals of different religions
have been influenced by topographical
diversity. For example, Islam originated in the
desert region of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the
use of sand in constructing mosque in Islam is
almost compulsory. Similarly, the followers of
Islam use dresses that can protect them against
the heat of the sun and are loose for good
ventilation. Moreover, they use plain and white
clothes to protect from the scorching heat of the
sun and to reflect the sun's rays. Here they get their head shaved and wear netted caps to
get coolness by drying sweat and they keep beard to protect their skin. The followers of
Islam are not positive towards the sun as they suffer much from the extreme heat of the
sun rays. They worship the moon as they get coolness from it. Therefore, they have the
moon in their flags too. The fact that they never regard the sun can be understood by a
month long Ramzan. Bases of rites of other religions are also due to the effect of climate
and topographical diversity.

Glossary

spear - a sharp pointed weapon
nomadic - moving from place to place
attire - dress

In-class Activity

There might be different religious groups in your community. Talk to the most
experienced people of different groups. Use the following questions to get information
about the religion.

i. Which religion do you follow?
ii. From which place did the religion originate?
iii. Who is the founder of your religion?
iv. How old is your religion?
v. What are the major features of your religion?
vi. What are the things that should not be done in accordance with your religion?
vii. What are the major festivals celebrated?

viii. What is the best part of your religion which makes you very proud to be the
follower of that religion?

Now, compare the religions based on the answers you get from those people.

Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10 249

Exercise

Write short answers to the following questions.
1. How are Inuits people different from Red Indians and Pigmies? Differentiate on the

basis of their lifestyle and settlement.
2. The lifestyle of the people of the Himalaya, the Hilly and the Terai regions in Nepal

is different from one another. Write with reasons.
3. The countries of the temperate and cold climate are comparatively more developed.

Write with reasons.
4. The lifestyle of the people living in the equatorial region is different from the

people living in the temperate region due to climate. How far do you support this
statement? Clarify your views.
5. The bases of rites of the religions are the result of climatic and topographical
diversity. Justify the statement on the basis of the religion and rites practiced in
your community.
6. Suppose you shifted to a place with completely different climate. What sort of
changes did you experience in the new region? Write in points with reasons.

250 Oasis Social Studies Grade - 10