Preservation of Our Heritage Class 10 GSEB Solutions Social Science Chapter 7

Gujarat Board Class 10 Social Science Preservation of Our Heritage Textbook Questions and Answers

I. Answer the following questions in detail: 
Question 1. Why should we preserve and conserve our heritage?
Answer:
Our multifaceted and diverse heritage has always brought glory to India.

• Cultural heritage includes sculpture, architecture, literature, various arts, etc.
• Both, natural and manmade factors are adversely affecting our heritage and so it is necessary to preserve it.
• Various forms of arts and architecture are vanishing. Preserving them will inspire the coming generations for the works done by our ancestors.
• Our heritage makes us feel proud. For example, we feel proud about Taj Mahal, great south Indian and Jain temples, forts and palaces, etc., which mesmerizes and attract the whole world.
• Country’s heritage is country’s identity.
• The country which ignores it does not have any future.
• Heritage guides about how to develop the nation. It is necessary for transmitting new consciousness across the country.
• Greater damage has been done to our heritage because of the invasion of foreign tribes and our unawareness.

Therefore, it is necessary to develop positive attitude for maintaining and managing the great heritage which gives us our proud identity.

• As individuals, we do not know our which act and activities cause damage to this heritage. Hence, it becomes extremely important for the nation to set-up proper teams and organizations who can help in preserving heritage along with the support of people.
• The errors of the past can be rectified in the present by taking necessary steps and saving the heritage in the future.
• People should be made aware about the damage done to the places of cultural and natural heritage so that they become responsible about their duties in preserving heritage.
• It is the moral duty of the government as well as of common people to conserve, and preserve our heritage.

Question 2. Mention the steps taken for the preservation of the heritage.
Answer:
Efforts made for the preservation and conservation of natural heritage:
(A) Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL):

• Government of India formed the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL) in 1952 to protect our wildlife. The board forms various strategies and plans to preserve the wildlife.
• Based on its study the Board also suggests the government to develop national park, bird sanctuary and geological gardens at suitable places. The board also undertakes activities for creating awareness for protection of wildlife.

(B) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:

• Wildlife Protection Act came into force in 1972. This act gave a firm status to National Parks, Sanctuaries and Bio reserves.
• Several new national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and bio-reserves have been established.
• Government has made several laws for preserving the natural heritage. These laws are quite comprehensive and are very widespread.
• Strict laws have been framed to stop the destruction of vanishing vegetation and wildlife.

(C) Role of Societies and Organizations:

• Apart from government, there are several societies and organization which have been actively taking up the task of protection of wildlife and environment. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is one such organization. It is the oldest organization and it was established in 1883.
• Several other such organizations such as Gir Foundation, Natural Club, etc., are also doing noble work of environment preservation.
• Owing to the utmost importance of natural heritage, government has made it mandatory to include preservation of natural heritage in our Constitution.

Question 3. Explain our role in the preservation of our heritage.
Answer:
The Central and state governments, UNESCO, and NGO are already performing their duties to preserve our valuable heritage.

• It it the duty of every citizen to support the preservation activities done by the government and various agencies.
• If the art and architecture, sculpture and historical monuments get destroyed, it is very difficult and at times impossible to restore them.
• Teachers in the school and colleges should impart the knowledge of India’s glorious heritage.
• Students as well as general public should gain the knowledge of unfamiliar places, monuments, ancient remains, sites, etc., and help in their preservation and protection.
• We should maintain valuable things. We should play our part to see that these things do not get destroyed, damaged or stolen.
• Schools, colleges and NGOs should conduct visits to the historical places and sites and speeches, exhibitions, discussions, seminars, etc., must be done to create awareness towards heritage and its preservation.
• Thus, it is the moral responsibility of each and every citizen to preserve our heritage.

Question 4. Write about the acts which have been passed to preserve ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains.
Answer:
As the world advances human activities go on increasing and expanding. This constantly increases the threat to both natural and cultural heritage. As a result, time and again the government forms stricter laws and make them even stricter so that heritage can be preserved.

• The government framed ‘Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act’ in 1958. This act works as a guideline for preserving antique artistic work, religious places, historical memorials and archaeological sites, etc.
• This archaeological act ensures that no person or agency can conduct archaeological excavation without the prior permission of government.
• This act helped in stopping excavation done either illegally or with unethical means. This has helped in preserve our various heritage sites.
• It is important to note that just framing the laws will not save the heritage. The laws should be strictly followed. Moreover, it is also the moral duty of the citizens to adhere to the laws and support the preservation.

Role of Department of Archaeology in preserving the monuments:

• The government of India declared some historical places as ‘National Monuments’.
• Department of Archaeology is responsible to take care for the preservation of these monuments as well as other important heritage sites which are either destroyed or on the verge of destruction.
• The department of Archaeology does the maintenance work in such a manner that the monuments and sites remain preserved in their original shape, size and condition.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is an organization that takes care about archaeological research and protecting cultural heritage. It has more than 5000 monuments and sites under its protection.
• The department has done wonderful jobs countless times. For example, due to the construction of Nagaijunsagar Multipurpose Project, Sangameshwar temple and Papnasham temples in Andhra Pradesh were about to submerge in the sea. To save these temples, they were successfully shifted to Alampur at Mehboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh.
• Another example is of Taj Mahal of Agra which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
• Mathura oil refinery and other industries near the Taj were causing very high level of pollution. The pollution was making the white marble of Taj Mahal pale and yellowish.
• The department of archaeology took active steps and got the pollution causing industries shut. Moreover, the department also performed regular cleaning of the monument and brought its brightness back.

II. Answer the following questions pointwise.
Question 1. Explain the importance to preserve and conserve our heritage.
Answer:
The heritage of India is multifarious and also a matter of pride. It includes both cultural heritage and natural heritage.

• Natural and man-made factors are adversely affecting our heritage. Its preservation is therefore important.
• We should protect art and architecture developed by our forefathers. This will inspire forthcoming generations.
• Our heritage has been glorifying the people of nation considering it as identity, they should honour the heritage. It is prerequisite to be optimistic.
• Our negligence is chiefly responsible for its deteriorations. So, its preservation has become necessary.

Question 2. Write a note on the preservation of Museums.
Answer:
According to the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1876, if any citizen suddenly finds any ancient or antique thing from a house, field, well, lake etc., then he has to immediately inform the archaeological officers so that they can preserve them in museums or at other safe places.

• Bypassing a law in 1972 for ancient or expensive artistic pieces the government has also tried to obtain information regarding personal or private museums.
• Museums preserve manuscripts written in Sanskrit, Ardha Magadhi, Prakrit, Pali etc. ,
• Museums provide proper and scientific knowledge to the historians and researchers to preserve important office documents of each state.
• Museums preserve antique pieces of art and valuable things carefully.
• Hence, it is a holy duty of government to show awareness towards the preservation and conservation of all the museums.

Question 3. What precautions should be taken while taking up the work of maintenance of monuments?
Answer:
While taking up the work of maintenance of monuments one thing should always be kept in the mind that they should be repaired in such a manner that it retains its original shape and condition.

• By doing proper planning of such places or historical monuments, keeping in mind instructions and advises of experts, government starts maintenance work that is proper.
• Presently, the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) has nearly 5000 monuments and sites under its protection.
• Environmental conditions have been taken in consideration while repairing/ maintenance is planned for monuments located away from land routes in the interior, at heights or at unreachable places or difficult to reach at places.
• Maintenance work/repairing work should be done in accordance with modern science and technology and original form of the heritage is not harmed.

Question 4. Write your views regarding cleanliness and preservation of tourist sports.
Answer:
Waste should be disposed of properly.

• One should not spoil historical monuments either by writing or drawing picture.
• One should not pollute surrounding of historical monuments.
• Extensive care should be taken of historical monuments which constitute step wells, lakes, ponds, stream etc., during monsoon.
• Be cautious while cleaning monuments with Archaeological chemical methods.
• Sensitized domestic and foreign visitors to avoid damage of our historical heritage.
• If natural disaster have caused damage to the historical places, make efforts to bring it again in the original form.
• It is our responsibility to maintain beauty and cleanliness of tourist place as they bring fame and prosperity to the nation.
• One should not litter at picnic places, must use dustbin.
• One should not spit here and there.
• One should not use plastic.

Question 5. Write a note on “Unity in Diversity” in India.
Answer:
India has varied and rich cultural heritage. India has a fine amalgamation of different caste, community, religion and tradition, culture and languages.

• India has proved the feeling of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’. This feeling exists in India since Vedic period.
• Let us get good news from all four directions with the message of Rigveda, which shows wide heartedness of Indian culture.
• India has shown religious tolerance towards other religions of the world. Swami Vivekananda said in the World Religious Conference which was held in Chicago (US) that “I am proud to say that, I represent the religion that has taught the lessons of compassion and brotherhood to the world’.
• People of India believing tolerance and universal brotherhood welcomed various foreign tribes.
• India has been as an amalgamation of chief religious of Indian Society from religions point of view and its influence can be seen on Indian culture. It is called ancient culture.
• Torchbearer of ancient India named our country as ‘Bharat Varsha’ by stressing on its unity.
• Holy names of 7 sacred rivers have been used in prayers.
• People including great sages and sufi saints, Swami Vivekananda, Dayanand Saraswasti and Mahatma Gandhi always stressed upon peace, coordination and universal brotherhood. It is a pride for India.
• Unity in diversity is a unique feature of India. As at the end, all the rivers amalgamate into the great ocean equivalently our country conglomerates different religions, castes, languages, tradition and customs and festivals.
• Thus, the people of India have conserved ‘Unity in Diversity’ in the world and have enhanced it.

III. Answer the following questions in short.
Question 1 Describe the advantages of tourism industry.
Answer:
Local people get employment and keep extinct art alive of course by this industry heterogeneous culture is introduced that enlightens the talent of the country.

• Facilities like metalled road, railway, water, communication etc., are developed around tourist places.
• Tourism topic has been added in the field of education which is eventually promoting tourism guide as a business.
• Various visitors from country and abroad come to visit and enjoy and for doing research on our cultural and natural heritage which boosts our tourism industry and transportation industry as well.
• India gets foreign currency from the incoming foreign visitors. Thus, tourism industry provides proper platform to show our multifarious cultural arts and traditions in front of the world.
• Various sites of natural and cultural heritage of India have been accommodated in the list of the world heritage by UNESO. In that 32 places of heritage of Gujarat included.

Question 2. In what different ways do people spoil damage our heritage?
Answer:
To throw garbage at any place.

• To draw or write unnecessarily on historical monuments.
• To pollute the surrounding of historical monuments.
• Damage of our historical heritage knowingly or unknowingly by our domestic or foreign visitors.
• Our negligence and less awareness about our heritage. Hence, our heritage places are damaged due to unfavourable effect of man-made factors.

Question 3. When was Bombay Natural History Society established? What are its functions?
Answer:
The Bombay Natural History Society the oldest one of its kind was established in 1883. It works for environmental and wildlife preservation.

Question 4. Which functions are formed by ‘Departments of Indian Archaeological Survey’?
Answer:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has nearly 5000 monuments and sites under its protection. Sangameshwar temple and Papnasham temples in Andhra Pradesh were going to be submerged into sea due to the construction of Nagarjunsagar Multipurpose Project. Therefore, these temples have been successfully shifted to Alampur at Mehboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh.

Question 5. What did Swami Vivekananda say about religion in the ‘World Religious Conference’?
Answer:
Swami Vivekananda said the following words in the ‘World Religious Conference’ held in Chicago (US) “I am proud to say that, I represent the religion that has taught the lessons of tolerance, compassion and universal fraternity, brotherhood to the world”.

IV. Choose the correct answer from the following options.
Question 1. Match the pairs and choose the correct option.
image 1
Answer:
(d) (4 – b), (1 – d), (3 – c), (2 – a)

Question 2. Which of the following statements is not correct?
(a) India proved the feeling of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” in the world.
(b) “I am proud to say that I represent the religion that has taught the lesson of compassion and brotherhood to the world” – Swami Vivekananda.
(c) Indian who believed in tolerance and universal brotherhood even welcomed Dutch and Britishers.
(d) Ancient Indian Torchbearers stressed upon economic unity of India.
Answer:
(b) “I am proud to say that I represent the religion that has taught the lesson of compassion and brotherhood to the world” – Swami Vivekananda.

Question 3. Why did the white marble of Taj Mahal turned pale and dull?
(a) Land pollution
(b) Water pollution
(c) Air pollution
(d) Noise pollution
Answer:
(c) Air pollution