Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 11 Ancient Indian Economic Concepts
RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 11 Text book Questions
RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 11 Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Amrita Devi, the person to sacrifice her life for protection of trees was related to :
(a) Jaipur
(b) Khejadli (Jodhpur)
(c) Udaipur
(d) Kota
Answer:
(b) Khejadli (Jodhpur)
Question 2.
The oldest texts of the world are/is :
(a) The Vedas
(b) The Bible
(c) The Quran
(d) The Upanishads
Answer:
(a) The Vedas
Question 3.
According to ancient Indian economic thought, which of the following is not a characteristic conforming to wants?
(a) Wants are unlimited
(b) The means of fulfilling wants are limited
(c) Wants are created repeatedly
(d) It is possible to satisfy all wants
Answer:
(d) It is possible to satisfy all wants
Question 4.
In Varnashrama, this provides livelihood to all people:
(a) Brahmacharya
(b) Grihastha
(c) Vanprasthi
(d) Sanyasi
Answer:
(b) Grihastha
Question 5.
According to Vedic thought, a person’s consumption should not be:
(a) Balanced Consumption
(b) Justifiable Consumption
(c) Co-Consumption
(d) Undignified consumption
Answer:
(d) Undignified consumption
Question 6.
With a view to public welfare, importance equal to ten wells has been accorded to
(a) Step-well (Bawri)
(b) Pond
(c) Son
(d) Tree
Answer:
(a) Step-well (Bawri)
RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 11 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is ‘holistic happiness’?
Answer:
The whole happiness of body, mind, intellect and soul is called holistic happiness.
Question 2.
What are man’s primary wants? Mention them.
Answer:
The primary wants of man are food, clothes, house, medical care and education.
Question 3.
When does man get the maximum satisfaction?
Answer:
Man gets the maximum satisfaction when his desire is fulfilled.
Question 4.
What is the origin of religion according to Chanakya?
Answer:
The origin of religion according to Chanakya is Wealth, because religion and piligrimage are not pursued without money or wealth.
Question 5.
Mention the name of the lady who gave up her life for protection of trees.
Answer:
Amrita Devi is the lady who gave up her life for the protection of trees.
Question 6.
Mention two main measures to protect the environment from pollution ‘as given in the Vedas’.
Answer:
- To keep the surface of the soil free of pollution, one should not defecate in the open and hair, nails, and waste should not be put into the fields and in the garden.
- Do not put unclean substances, poison in the water. Rainwater should be purified by the effort of Yagya.
RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 11 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Clarify , the major characteristics of ‘wants’ as described in Ancient Indian Thought.
Answer:
The major characteristics of ‘wants’ described in Ancient Indian Thought are :
- Wants are unlimited.
- The resources for satisfying wants are limited.
- It is not possible to fulfil wants with the available resources.
- Some wants arise repeatedly.
- Wants increase with development.
- Wants are affected by social, economic and religious feelings.
- Wants are competitive.
Question 2.
Why has miserliness been criticised in ancient Indian Literature?
Answer:
Miserliness has been criticised in ancient Indian literature because the money that reaches the hands of a ‘miserly person’ does not give any benefit to him. The miser’s wealth is considered to be similar to the cereals that were collected by rats. From this money ‘earner does not get any happiness. Miserliness reduces effective demand in society, increases unemployment, and adversely affects the purpose of just distribution in society.
Question 3.
Why should a man not accumulate more things than his wants?
Answer:
The things should not be stored more than the requirement, because it causes many problems. Relatives and thieves keep their eye on the collected goods. For this reason, the security problem of the stored things is created. Storage should be done only in the appropriate amount and for the minimum duration.
Question 4.
Which things have to be kept in mind while earning wealth?
Answer:
Following are the things have to be kept in mind while earning wealth :
- Earning wealth through the path of justice and religion
- Storing wealth abstemiously
- Earning wealth according to need,
- Earning wealth without using illegal force
- Compliance with the vow of controlled desire
- Spending less than income
- Earning wealth through one’s own labour.
- Focus on the conservation of environment
- The expenditure of earning should be fair.
- Earning should be made only to meet the requirement in the category of facilities.
Question 5.
According to the Mahabharat, what are the uses of money?
Answer:
According to the Mahabharat, there are five uses of wealth :
- Money should be used for religious activities so that its benefits can be received in society.
- Man should use the money to fulfill the requirements and by sharing it.
- It is used for capital formation.
- It is used for achievement of glory and for welfare activities.
- It is used for one’s own kin.
Question 6.
Write the code of conduct of consumption as described in ancient Indian Literature.
Answer:
A Code of conduct of consumption was created in ancient Indian literature, the main points of which are the following :
- Consumption should be done from that money which is earned through justifiable resources.
- One should also not consume before feeding those poor people who are without means of livelihood.
- The consumption should be balanced. The balanced consumption is healthful.
- One should not consume through immoral methods, for example- eating by theft.
- Over-consumption is said to be prohibited.
- Prohibition of debt-based consumption
- Miserliness should be abandoned before consumption.
- Foodgrains should be stored according to the needs only.
Question 7.
What is meant by air-pollution?
Answer:
Earth’s atmosphere naturally contains nitrogen-79%, oxygen- 20.09% and remaining part has traces of Carbon dioxide, Argon, Neon, Helium, Ozone, etc. It is very necessary that for our healthy life all these elements should be present in a definite proportion. Any imbalance in this proportion implies air-pollution. Pure air protects people from diseases and makes them strong. Air has been considered the main basis of life in the Vedas.
Question 8.
Explain the Vedic relationship between nature and environment.
Answer:
Nature and environment are a complement to each other. Man’s surroundings include climate, soil, sunlight, forests, mountains, air, creatures and various plant life. These surroundings have been termed environment in the Vedas. Aaitreya Upanishad says that this world is made up of five elements-earth, water, sun, air and sky. When the natural balance of these five elements change, environmental pollution is born. Environmental pollution is very dangerous for the human life.
Question 9.
Why has so much importance been given to trees in ancient texts.
Answer:
In ancient texts, the trees have been given so much importance because trees not only reduce air pollution but also provide a rhythmic environment. Without the forest, Indian culture cannot be imagined, because three-fourths of human life (Brahmacharya, Vanaprastha and Sanyas Ashram) was spent in the forest. The word ‘Jeevan’ is made up of the ‘Jeev’ + ‘Van, which means, where there is forest, there is life. In the Atharva Veda, there is an order to not cut the root of the vegetation along with the constant use of flora. Matsyapuraan describes the glory of the tree.
RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 11 Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Clarify the concept of balanced consumption.
Answer:
In ancient literature, a message of minimum and balanced consumption is given to fulfill the desires through self-earned wealth. Only food should be taken for the preservation of life. Emphasis has been laid on balanced consumption by Indian scholars because the satisfaction of man’s total desires is impossible. Therefore, considering the fulfillment of desires as impossible, and considering the obtaining of immortality through wealth and property as useless and wishful, a person should exercise restraint in consumption. It is said in the Ishopnishad ‘O’ man, do not desire another man’s money, since money belongs to no one that it may be desired.” It is justified that instead of collection and consumption of things needed for living life according to one’s desires, it should be according to wants or according to minimum needs because it justified.
It is written in the Mahabharata that “for the performance of the four objectives of human endeavour, a householder should accumulate wealth, but a man’s right is only on that wealth, which fills his stomach. He who accepts more accumulation of wealth has never been punishable, but wealth earned through improper (wrong) methods and accumulation of wealth beyond one’s wants is punishable.
Acharya Shukra directs that people spending large amounts of money be sent out of the kingdom. Kautilya also considers it the king’s responsibility to prevent people from leading luxurious lives and spending money inappropriately. Following are the important views regarding balanced consumption :
- Satisfying man’s entire needs/wants is impossible.
- Consumption should only be done using self-earned money. Consumption by taking loan from others is improper.
- Society should have the right on commodities and not the individual, and consumption should be done with a viewpoint of sacrifice and with a view to continue one’s life for social service.
Question 2.
Explain the concept of co-consumption.
Answer:
In ancient literature, emphasis has been laid on co-consumption, that means people should consume and share commodities by mutual distribution. Abundance and property is God’s gift and should be used only by distributing it. It has been said in the scriptures that the expenditure of accumulated money should be done on the expenses of kinsfolk, capital formation, religious and other welfare activities and the balance should be consumed.
It is said in Atharva Veda :
“ O, Man, you must earn money with hundred hands, and becoming one with thousands, spend it.Only with this feelings can man obtain maximum satisfaction, and the well-being of entire nation can increase.”
According to the religious tenets of Manu, Shukra, Vishnu, Yagyavalkya, man should indulge in consumption after feeding guests, servants, helpless persons, animals and birds. Kautilya even said that those who do not feed the children, the parents, the widows and the daughters should be punished by the state. Instructions have been given in Atharva Veda which means that all people should have equal food and drink. He believes that the person with high character considers the entire world as his family.
अयं निजः परो वेति गपाना लघु चेतसाम !
उदारचरितनं तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम !!
That is, it’s mine, it’s the outsider’s, the low category person can keep such thoughts. People with high character believe in ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’. All persons living in the family should consume and share goods. People should also give a fair share of their income in donation. It has been said in the Mahabharata that there is nothing of mine in the things that are on the earth, or in this, the others have rights in the same way as I have. Therefore, it has been said in the scriptures that humans should consume only by sharing and distributing goods.
Question 3.
Describe in brief the code of conduct of earning wealth as given in ancient Indian thought.
Answer:
In ancient Indian thought, earnings are considered very important because religion and pilgrimage are not obtained without money. The poor people also leave their brothers and the evil qualities of the rich person are also considered to be virtuous. It is said in the Mahabharata, that wealth is the highest religion, every object is dependent on wealth, and while rich people can be happy, the poor person is like a dead person.
Even after wealth being so important, it is advisable to take care of certain things while earning it, in ancient Indian literature- like earning should be in such a way that there is no pain to anyone else, earning should not hurt your body as well, earning should never be done by wrong means. The money should always be achieved by self-earning, and earning should not interfere with self-realisation.
The code of conduct of earnings means those rules, which everyone should take care of while earning money. These are the following :
a. Earning wealth through the path of Religion :
Ancient Indian scholars have considered earning wealth in a justified and religious way to be appropriate. Money earned on the basis of religious tenets is durable and the fundamental method of attaining prosperity. One paise earned through religious sanction is far superior than thousand rupees earned by theft or evil deeds that are condemned by religious throught. Maharshi Dayanand says, “ Economics and religious texts should be in harmony and concord.”
b. Restraint in accumulating wealth :
Manu says that man should find satisfaction and exercise restraint because wealth does not remain man’s need, rather becomes his obsession which is never sated. That’s why he should not desire more than required money for his family’s security and for religious rituals, (i.e., Yagya or Sacrifice), since contentment is a cause of comfort and happiness, and discontentment is the cause of sorrow.’
c. Earning Wealth according to needs :
A man has the right to earn in order to fulfill his needs and no more. In Vedic culture, earning wealth according to wants is considered ideal and is worth the effort.
The following couplet clarifies importance of earning wealth according to needs :
O! Lord grant me at least so much to be able to feed my family
Neither I remain hungry nor sages return empty.
d. Non-attachment to Earning Wealth :
Man should not become a servant to wealth but its master, that’s why in ancient thought tradition, sacrifice and non-attached consumption is advised. If a person consumes a limited amount, then his needs for wealth will be limited too.
e. Controlled and restricted desire for wealth :
It is said in the Geeta that all the rice, barley, gold, animals, etc. present on earth are not sufficient to satisfy the desire of one person. Humans should earn money only to fulfill their basic needs, and suppress the luxurious desires.
f. Spending less than earnings :
Shukra Says, it is wise to spend less than one earns. An intelligent man should not spend more money for a trivial purpose.
g. Earning through labour and efforts of self :
It has been strongly emphasized in Indian culture that a person should earn money by his own effort and labour, in order to fulfill his familial, social, and religious wants. The money created by me should fulfill the need of myself and my family. The fulfillment of requirements by taking loans, is not considered proper.
h. Focus on conservation of Environment :
Clear instructions are given in Mahabharata and Manusmriti that a person should adopt ways to earn a living, without any harm to the environment. Nowadays, the methods which are being adopted to increase production are causing huge damage to the environment and having adverse effects on human health. In Atharva Veda, it is prayed to goddess earth for such power from its energy storehouse, so that we may live with dignity.
Question 4.
Write an article on environmental conservation as described in ancient Indian Literature.
Answer:
The kind of pollution happening today is not the same as that which used to happen in ancient times. Current sources of air pollution, such as vehicles, industrialization, growing population, were not present then. Similarly, current factors of water pollution like industrialization, urbanization, harmful chemicals, etc. were also not there. Man-made pollution was negligible at that time. For this reason, the means of removing the little pollution were also different. Such as controlling air pollution by yagya, purifying water by medicines (herbs), etc. Forests were also helpful in reducing pollution because the air was cleaned by trees. The trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Thus, the trees absorb pollution.
Our ancient scriptures have given great attention to the protection of the environment. The Mahabharata and Manusmriti have clearly stated that human beings should adopt such a means which should not damage the vegetation and living beings in the context of survival. In Atharva Veda it has been prayed, please give us such an environment that is suitable for our lives. Yajurveda says alerting man about environmental pollution,” O, man! When a balance is maintained between air, water, plant life and living beings, the entire creation stays in a state of equilibrium. When the balance in these components is disturbed, every creature, plants, trees and humans suffer an adverse effect”.
Water is considered as life protector and source of well being in the Vedas, and it has been forbidden to pollute it in any way. According to Manu, impure matter like poison, stool-urine, etc, should not be discharged ki water. Yagyas in Rig Veda have been advised to purify the celestial water.
It is clear from the above discussion that in ancient Indian literature, there has been a lot of emphasis on environmental protection.
Question 5.
“The Vedic form of environment is relevant to the solution and prevention of environmental pollution in present age.” Explain this observation.
Answer:
Nowadays, land, water and air are getting polluted in the race of economic development, and ecological balance has also worsened. All countries are engaged in speedy economic development by making indiscriminate use of natural resources and in this process they are ignoring the environmental aspect. Air, water and land pollution have reached a dangerous level, which has adverse effects on the lives of humans and animals. The increase in temperature in the atmosphere, the depletion of ozone layer, erratic rainfall, rising water and land pollution, dwindling species, air pollution, etc. are all due to environmental imbalances.
To control air pollution, controlling industrialization, organizing yagya, controlling population, controlling the pollution generated by means of transport is extremely necessary. In Yajurveda, it has been said that while warning humans of environmental pollution, “ O, man! When a balance is maintained between air, water, plant life and living beings, the entire creation stays in a state of equilibrium.. When the balance in these components is disturbed, every creature, plants and trees and humans suffer an adverse effect. So, it is a wise act not to disturb these elements, and maintaining their balance alone can enable us to live and enjoy life.”
Great reverence for nature is described in the Vedas and all natural powers are considered as manifestations of God. In the Vedas, there is a description of the reverence for nature, and it is the provision of worshipping all the powers as deity. Air, rivers, mountains, earth, etc are adorable to us all. To prevent pollution in the Vedas, discarding the faeces-urine in open and putting hair, nails, and wastes in planted fields, in gardens, in water sources, and in open air is prohibited. Similarly, Manu had forbidden to add poison, stool, urine, etc. in water to prevent water pollution. It is suggested to purify the atmospheric water by yagya. To prevent air pollution, it has been said that yagya is the mathchless source.
Question 6.
Clarify the awareness towards environment as described in the Vedas.
Answer:
There is a lot of emphasis on maintaining natural balance in Vedic literature. There is a provision to consider all natural powers as deities and to worship them,. From the Vedic point of view if there is any deformity, inaccuracy, impurity or uncleaniness in the earth, water, air, etc, then it becomes the cause of sorrow for the creatures. In Yajurveda this has been said by giving the warning to every man against environmental pollution, “O man! By maintaining balance in air, water, vegetation, and living creatures, the whole creation lives in its equilibrium state. When their equilibrium gets disturbed, there is an adverse effect on every living organism, plants, and humans living in it.”
Further in the Yajurveda, it is said, “Do not disturb these elements of the environment, and maintain its balance, otherwise, your life will become impossible.”
In the Vedas, there is a description of incredible reverence towards nature, all natural powers have been considered equal to God. The only purpose behind this would be that when humans worship them, they will not be harmed, and when the environment is not harmed, the environment will remain pure.
In Atharva Veda, allowing the continuous use of flora, it was ordered not to cut the roots. There is a provision for punishing those who bum and destroy forests. In Matsya Purana, the beauty of the tree has been described in such a way that such a unique love is not presented in any other culture of the world.
दश कूप समावापी, दस वापी समो हदः।
दशहदसमः पुत्रः, दस पुत्र समोद्रुमः।।
That is, the importance of a baoli is similar to 10 wells, and the significance of a pond is similar to 10 baoli is, and a son is similar to 10 ponds, and a tree similar to 10 sons. It is evident from this, that how much importance the tree has been given in our scriptures.
The above explanation makes it clear that the importance of nature in various ways has been clarified in the Vedas to awaken consciousness in the people towards the environment.
RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 11 Other Important Questions
RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 11 Objective Type Questions
Question 1.
The elements affecting the wants of human being are
(a) Particular person’s economic condition
(b) Level of country’s economic development
(c) Religious feelings
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
Question 2.
In the Mahabharata, the use of wealth is explained
(a) For the fulfillment of wants
(b) For the creation of capital
(c) For religious organization
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
Question 3.
Vedic literature gives the message regarding the environment to
(a) Protect the environment
(b) Pollute the environment for your selfishness
(c) not pay attention to the environment
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Protect the environment
Question 4.
The reason for the deterioration of environmental balance is
(a) Ignoring the environmental aspect in development programs.
(b) The indiscriminate use of natural resources
(c) Increasing population
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
Question 5.
The first woman to give the first sacrifice to protect trees was named
(a) Sita Devi
(b) Amrita Devi
(c) Maha Devi
(d) None of these
Answer:
(b) Amrita Devi
RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 11 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Write the names of the four Vedas.
Answer:
Following are the name of four Vedas-
- Rig-Veda
- Yajur-Veda
- Atharva Veda
- Sam-Veda
Question 2.
State four Nitis.
Answer:
Four nitis are :
- Chanakya Niti
- Brihaspati Niti
- Vidur Niti
- Shukra Niti
Question 3.
Write the names of three Puranas.
Answer:
The name of three Puranas are :
- Vishnu Puran
- Bhagwat Puran
- Agni Puran
Question 4.
What are the four Smritis?
Answer:
The four Smritis are :
- Manu Smriti
- Yajnavalkya Smriti
- Brihaspati Smriti
- Narad Smriti.
Question 5.
What is ‘Want’?
Answer:
The effective desire is called ‘Want’. There are three things important for effective desire :
- Desire of receiving object
- Sources of fulfilling desire
- Readiness to spend money to fulfill the desire
Question 6.
What do you understand by the ‘Chaturvidh Sukh’ of Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay?
Answer:
The meaning of ‘Chaturvidh Sukh’ is the holistic happiness of body, heart, mind and soul. It is also called holistic happiness.
Question 7.
What is said about happiness in the Yajur-Veda?
Answer:
It is said in Yajur-Veda that nothing is much more important than happiness. It is for the sake of happiness that the human being pursues religion and wealth.
Question 8.
Explain the two elements that affect needs.
Answer:
Two elements that affect needs are-
- Needs are affected by the economic condition of the person
- Needs are also influenced by the level of economic development of the country.
Question 9.
In the Mahabharata and Ramayana, whose primary responsibility was it to fulfill the requirements?
Answer:
King had the primary responsibility to fulfill requirements in the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Question 10.
What has been said about the fulfillment of desires in Kathopanishad?
Answer:
In Kathopanishad, it has been said that however much money man may acquire, their desires from the source are never satisfied. The more the money he accumulates, the greater the desire becomes.
Question 11.
In relation to the fulfillment of the requirement, what have Hitopadesha and Vishwamitra said?
Answer:
The. Hitopadesha says that desires go on increasing like a cycle, these cannot be fulfilled. There is no such thing in the world which can fulfill the needs of human beings. According to Vishwamitra, the desires of man are never satisfied, if one desire is satisfied he desires for another one.
Question 12.
Explain two characteristics of ‘Wants’ according to Ancient Indian Thoughts.
Answer:
Following are the two characteristics of ‘Wants’ according to Ancient Indian Thoughts
- Wants are unlimited,
- Sources of satisfying wants are limited.
Question 13.
What does the Vedic literature say about the fulfillment of necessities?
Answer:
It has been emphasized in Vedic literature that the needs- should be fulfilled only by good, justified, arid self-earned money.
Question 14.
What do you mean by ‘Consumption’?
Answer:
The direct and ultimate use of goods and services, for the satisfaction of the needs of the person, is called consumption.
Question 15.
What does Shukra say about consumption?
Answer:
According to Shukra, the expenses incurred for the acquisition of food, clothing, home, garden, cow, education and land, etc. and for the acquisition of wealth, etc., and expenses incurred for their protection is called consumption.
Question 16.
What is the meaning of balanced consumption?
Answer:
Balanced consumption is the use of the money earned by ourselves to meet our . minimum requirements.
Question 17.
What is the concept of Co-Consumption?
Answer:
It has been emphasized in ancient literature that individuals should eat and share different things. The one who consumes alone is said to be a sinner.
Question 18.
Mention two key points of the code of conduct of consumption.
Answer:
- Only the money earned from justifiable means should be consumed.
- The person should not consume any item alone.
Question 19.
What is the meaning of ethics in consumption?
Answer:
Manu values ethics in the consumption of goods. According to him, stealing consumption is punishable. Shukra considers the consumption of gambling, alcohol, etc. as improper.
Question 20.
Why has miserliness been opposed in Indian thought?
Answer:
Miserliness has been opposed in Indian thought because the amount of money in the hands of the miser is of no avail. Miserliness reduces effective demand in society, and increases unemployment.
Question 21.
Which four efforts have been mentioned by the Indian Economic Thinkers?
Answer:
Indian Economic thinkers mentioned following four efforts – Religion, Wealth, Sensual Pleasure and Salvation, and their thoughts are based on these four efforts.
Question 22.
According to Indian thought, what is the origin of the happiness and facilities of man?
Answer:
According to Indian thought, religion is considered to be the origin of the happiness and facilities of man, and religion is the origin of wealth.
Question 23.
What does the great commentator of the Vedas, Yaskacharya say regarding wealth?
Answer:
Yaskacharya says that money is one that satisfies and delights all. It is the means of exchange of all substances.
Question 24.
What is the meaning of wealth according to the Vedas?
Answer:
In Vedas, Wealth has been expressed by property, glory, and currency.
Question 25.
What is the source of wealth in Indian literature?
Answer:
In Indian literature land, agriculture, commerce, business and industries are the main sources of wealth.
Question 26.
Which five things should be taken care of when earning money?
Answer:
Following are the five things that should be taken care of, when earning money-
- Do not hurt any other creatures.
- Do not cause undue pain to your body.
- Do not earn it by wrong means.
- Always get it from self-earned means.
- Do not obstruct self-realisation by using it.
Question 27.
What is Black Money?
Answer:
Vishnu, Narada and Brihaspati said that the money which is obtained by cunningness, adulteration, theft, gambling, robbery, interest, etc. is called black money. Black money in modem approach is the money on which the government tax is not paid.
Question 28.
In the Mahabharata, what five uses of wealth are given?
Answer:
Five uses of wealth are given below :
- For religious activities
- For the fulfillment of requirements
- For capital formation
- for welfare activities and
- For the kinsfolk
Question 29.
Tell us two points of code of Earnings.
Answer:
- Earnings must be through the path of religion only.
- Money should be earned through self-labour and self-efforts.
Question 30.
What message does Vedic literature give related to the environment?
Answer:
Vedic literature gives the message that we should not pollute the environment for our selfish interests and we should protect the environment.
Question 31.
In the Yajurveda, how has a warning been given against environmental pollution?
Answer:
It is said in the Yajur-Veda that by maintaining balance in air, water, vegetation, and living creatures, the whole creation lives in its equilibrium state. When their equilibrium gets disturbed, there is adverse effect on every living organism, plants, and humans living in it.”
Question 32.
State the three forms of environmental pollution.
Answer:
- Land Pollution
- Water Pollution
- Air Pollution
Question 33.
What is the remedy for the purity of the environmental components in the Vedas?
Answer:
The sacrificial ablution is described as an uncommon means for the purity of the environmental components in the Vedas. The Yajurveda states that the heat of ablution destroys harmful ‘substances of air, water and sky.
Question 34.
What has been said about environmental pollution in Atharva Veda?
Answer:
It is said in Atharva Veda that if we cut trees and herbs for ourselves and harass the earth, then the earth will also destroy us with drought, excessive rainfall and severe storms.
Question 35.
What has been said about the connection between humans and nature in Durga Saptashati?
Answer:
Regarding both humans and nature in Durga Saptashati, it has been clearly said that, till the earth is rich with trees, and forests, it will continue to nourish man.
RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 11 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is the meaning of Wants ? Explain it.
Answer:
In the ordinary sense, both desire and requirement are used in the same sense, but in economics, these two words are different. Effective desire in economics is considered as a necessity. Three things are necessary for effective desire :
- the desire to obtain something
- adequate means to satisfy the .desire
- the readiness to spend for fulfilling the desire.
If one thinks about buying a car then it is his wish, but if he has enough currency to buy a car and is willing to spend the money on buying that car, then the desire for the car becomes his necessity.
Question 2.
Explain the area of desire, want and demand with the help of diagram.
Answer:
Desire is like the sky, so its area is very wide. The area of necessity is smaller or narrower than that of desire because all the desires are not ‘needs’. The area of demand is compressed compared to the area of requirement. This concept becomes clear from the following figure. Demands are those wants (needs) which a person has the ability and intention to fulfill.
Question 3.
Explain any two elements that affect the needs.
Answer:
Following are the two elements that affect the needs-
- The Person’s Economic Condition :
The requirement is influenced by the economic condition of man. The person who has more economic resources also has more needs. The needs of poor people are less. - Level of Economic Development :
Necessity increases with economic growth. The needs of the underdeveloped society are less, whereas the needs of a developed society are more.
Question 4.
According to Ancient Indian Thought, explain the characteristics of necessities.
Answer:
According to Ancient Indian Thought, following are the characteristics of necessities-
- Wants are unlimited.
- The resources for satisfying wants are limited.
- It is not possible to fulfill wants by the available resources.
- Some wants arise repeatedly.
- Wants increase with economic development.
- Wants are affected by social, economic and religious feelings.
- Wants are competitive.
Question 5.
Explain the concept of balanced consumption.
Answer:
The emphasis on balanced consumption in ancient Indian literature has been pronounced. According to this, man should take food as need for the protection of life. It is said in Ish Upanishad that O man, do not desire anybody’s wealth because wealth belongs to nobody, so it is not worthy to be desired.
According to our scriptures, it is considered justified to consume materials for the sustenance of life, not according to the wishes, but as per the requirement. It is written in the Mahabharata that man’s right is only on the amount of money that fills his stomach. The person who stores more money than this has been regarded as a thief and punishable.
Question 6.
Explain the concept of Co-Consumption.
Answer:
In ancient literature, emphasis has been placed on co-consumption, that means people should consume and share commodities by mutual distribution. Abundance and property is God’s gift and should be used only by distributing it. It has been said in the scriptures that the accumulated money should be used for the expenses of kinsfolk, capital formation, religious and other welfare activities and the remaining amount should be consumed.
It is said in Atharva Veda, “O, Man, you must earn money with hundred hands, and becoming one with thousands, spend it.Only with this feelings can man obtain maximum satisfaction and the well-being of entire nation can increase.”
According to the religious tenets of Manu, Shukra, Vishnu, Yagyavalkya, man should indulge in consumption after feeding guests, servants, helpless persons, animals and birds. Kautilya even said that those who do not feed the children, the parents, the widows and the daughters should be punished by the state. Instructions have been given in Atharva Veda, that all people should have equal food and drink. He believes that the person with high character considers the entire world as his family.
Question 7.
Describe two key points of the Code of Conduct of Consumption.
Answer:
Following are the two key points of the code of Consumption :
- Consumption of that money only which is earned through justified means :
A person should do morally-acceptable consumption through wealth obtained by proper means. Money obtained by Injustice and dishonesty is not considered consumable. - Prohibition on consuming comfort alone :
A person should not consume alone. One should not consume before feeding poor people who have no means of livelihood.
Question 8.
What thoughts have been expressed regarding the collection of foodgrains in ancient Indian literature?
Answer:
In ancient Indian literature, it has been said that the collection of foodgrains should not exceed the requirement, and the storage should be for the minimum duration. If more foodgrains are collected, excess foodgrains should be distributed to the needy persons. Excessive collection gives rise to many problems, the eyes of the king, relatives, and thieves are on the grain.
Question 9.
Explain the value of wealth for the safety of the country.
Answer:
The security of any country depends on the available funds in the country. The Mahabharata states that the basvery basis of the king is the fund. Through this fund, the King nourishes the staff, gives donations, repairs the fort, purchases an elephant, and makes the conduct of commerce, religion, wealth, and sensual pleasure possible. The basis of the army is the treasury. Even in Agni Purana, wealth is considered as a means of protection and prosperity of the state.
Question 10.
Explain the types of wealth.
Answer:
Wealth is divided into three categories according to Vishnu, Narad and Brihaspati :
- White Money :
The money which is earned by bravery, education, priesthood, etc. is included under White money. - Branded Money :
Money earned by agriculture, commerce, crafts, and services is called branded money. - Black Money :
The money earned by cunning, adulteration, fraud, gambling, robbery, and interest, etc. has been called black money. Black money is considered punishable.
Question 11.
What do you understand by Corruption or Bribery?
Answer:
In Indian economic thought, bribery or corruption has been considered as a means of exchange, in which black currency is created. All such transactions are unaccounted and there is no proper criteria in these transactions. It is said that bribe is the door to all sins. Corrupt people can be bought easily with the help of money. The citizens of that country can never be happy and prosperous where such people are not controlled.
Question 12.
How is water pollution harmful? Explain.
Answer:
Water is life. But when water gets polluted, many problems arise before society. Today, due to industrial development and due to the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and detergent powder, water is being polluted. Water is considered as preserver of life and welfare of life in the Vedas. According to Manu, polluted substances, poisons, faeces, urine, etc. should not be discharged in water bodies. Water pollution not only leads to many diseases but also reduces the production capacity of the land.
Question 13.
What does Vedic literature say about environmental pollution?
Answer:
It is clearly stated in Vedic literature that we should not pollute the environment for our selfish interests and should emphasize on environmental protection. The problem of environmental pollution has created a threat to the existence of the world. Environment pollution has polluted the land, water and air, due to which humans have suffered serious consequences. For this reason, nowadays, there is a lot of emphasis on environmental protection.
Question 14.
What are the types of environmental pollution mentioned in ancient Indian literature?
Answer:
In ancient Indian literature, the following forms of environmental pollution are mentioned-
- Land Pollution
- Water Pollution
- Air Pollution
- Sky Pollution
- Time Pollution
- Direction Pollution
- Mind Pollution
- Heat Pollution, etc.
Question 15.
What are the suggestions given by the Vedas to prevent pollution of land?
Answer:
In ancient times, Indian people considered the land as their mother, because they got grains, a variety of medicines, trees and plants from the land. When the land becomes useless from useful, it is called land pollution. In order to free the surface from pollution and to avoid pollution, it is necessary not to discharge stool-urine in open, not leave hair, nails and waste in the planted fields and in the gardens. The use of chemical fertilizers should also be stopped in agriculture.
Question 16.
What has been advised in our ancient texts on environmental protection?
Answer:
There is a lot of emphasis on environmental protection in ancient Indian texts. It is said in the Mahabharata and Manu Smriti that a person should adopt the ways that he should not have any suffering and no loss of vegetation. We should not pollute the environment for our own selfishness but rather protect it. In Yajurveda, it has been said that to protect the environment, man should maintain balance between air, water, vegetation and creatures, otherwise it is inevitable to have adverse effects on every living organism, plants and humans.
Question 17.
How is the glory of the trees described in our Indian literature?
Answer:
The description of the glory of the tree, as given in Matsya Purana, is not found in any other culture in the world.
दश कूप समावापी, दस वापी समो हदः।
दशहदसमः पुत्रः, दस पुत्र समोद्रुमः।।
That is, the importance of a baoli is similar to 10 wells, and the significance of a pond is similar to 10 baolis, and that of a son is similar to 10 ponds, and a tree similar to 10 sons. It is evident how much importance the tree has been given in our scriptures.
Appropriate explanation makes it clear that the importance of nature in various ways has been clarified in the Vedas to awaken consciousness in the people towards the environment. It reveals the glory of the tree. In addition to allowing continuous use of vegetation, people have been ordered not to cut roots, and there is a provision to punish those who bum and destroy the forests.
Question 18.
Explain the importance of ablution to prevent pollution.
Answer:
In order to purify the environment, make it pesticideless, and pollution-free, with ablution being a means of spiritual worship in the Vedas, it is considered important. The heat of ablution destroys the harmful elements of air, water and sky. The heat given in the oblation is not destroyed, but it is beneficial for humans only by changing its appearance, being subtle and widespread. Elements of the ablution become intense and enter the air, water, earth, and sky and destroy the pollution.
Question 19.
Explain the causes of water pollution.
Answer:
Following are the causes of water pollution :
- By mixing of faces and urine in river water.
- Using chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- By putting waste material from industrial into the rivers.
- By dumping dead bodies of people and animals in rivers.
- The radioactive substances produced by nuclear explosions, which are found in water.
Question 20.
What approach has been adopted in respect to the ecological balance in Indian thought?
Answer:
Ecological balance means to maintain a balance in the forest, water, and land. Its imbalance causes harm to both nature and humans. Therefore, the use of water, forest, and land all three should be done in a sensible way and adequate attention must be given on their protection and development.
Question 21.
What is the relationship between fulfillment and satisfaction of need?
Answer:
Man gets maximum satisfaction or happiness only by fulfilling his various needs. Even in Vedic literature, it has been wished to be happy by fulfilling the needs using the good, the justifiable and self-earned money. In fulfillment of the necessities, it has been said in Yajurveda that after spending money on various commodities, it has been emphasized to recover the money and appropriately utilize the full amount of money. Such an idea has been kept by which people can earn more money and achieve satisfaction or happiness by meeting their maximum requirements. Thus, there is a direct connection between requirement and happiness.
Question 22.
How does Shukra define consumption?
Answer:
According to Shukra, the expenses made for the acquisition of food, clothing, home, garden, cow, education and land etc. and for the acquisition of wealth, etc., and for their protection is called consumption. Shukra has included the storing/ keeping places of gold, jewels, silver, coins; the keeping places of chariots, horse, cows, elephants, camels and their keepers, storing places of grains, weapons, ammunition, heavy armour, etc. and places of ministers, physicians, cooks, craftmen, etc. under the head of consumption.
Question 23.
What thoughts have been expressed regarding consumption in Indian Vedic literature?
Answer:
According to the religious tenets of Manu, Shukra, Vishnu, Yagyavalkya, man should indulge in consumption after feeding guests, servants, helpless persons, animals and birds. Kautilya even said that those who do not feed the children, the parents, the widows and the daughters should be punished by the state. Instructions have been given in Atharva Veda that all people should have equal food and drink. He believes that the person with high character considers the entire world as his family. Kautilya even said that those who do not feed the children, the parents, the widows and the daughters, should be punished by the state.
Question 24.
O! Lord grant me at least so much to be able to feed my family Neither I remain hungry nor sages return empty. Explain it.
Answer:
In this stanza it is clarified that man should earn money, according to need. Man has prayed to God, ‘O God!’ Give me so much money so that I can properly ensure my family’s well being, and no holy man should go hungry from my house, and I too can fill my stomach. In Vedic culture, excess earning is considered to be a sin.
Question 25.
How is the environment polluted by economic development?
Answer:
Nowadays, we are ignoring the importance of environment in the race of economic development. Land, water and air have become polluted due to economic development. The ecological balance has also worsened. Due to this, increase in temperature, problems like the ozone layer, depletion, acid rain, increasing water level, dwinding species and land pollution have arisen. All these have a very adverse effect on the health of creatures.
RBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 11 Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Explain the different concept of Consumption.
Or
Explain the concept of Balanced Consumption and Co-Consumption.
Answer:
Various concepts of consumption described in ancient Indian literature can be studied under the name of balanced consumption and co-consumption.
A. Concept of Balanced Consumption :
In ancient literature, a message of minimum and balanced consumption is given to fulfill the desires through self-earned wealth. Food should be taken only for the preservation of life. The emphasis on balanced consumption by Indian scholars has been done because the satisfaction of man’s total desires is impossible. Therefore, considering the fulfillment of desires to be impossible, and taking the obtaining of immortality through wealth and property as useless and wishful, a person should exercise restraint in consumption. It is said in the ishopanishad ‘“O’ man do not desire another man’s money, since money belongs to no one that it may be desired.”
It is justified that instead of collection and consumption of things needed for living life according to one’s desires, it should be according to wants or according to minimum needs because it is justified. It is written in the Mahabharata that “for the performance of the four objectives of human Endeavour, a householder should accumulate wealth, but a man’s right is only on that wealth, which fills his stomach. He who accepts more accumulation of wealth has never been punishable, but wealth earned through improper (wrong) methods and accumulation of wealth beyond one’s wants is punishable.
Acharya Shukra directs that people spending large amounts of money be sent out of the kingdom. Kautilya also considers it the king’s responsibility to prevent people from leading luxurious lives and spending money inappropriately. Following are the important views regarding balanced consumption :
- Satisfying man’s entire needs/wants is impossible.
- Consumption should be done using only self-earned money. Consumption by taking loan from others is improper.
- Society should have the right on commodities and not the individual, and consumption should be done with a viewpoint of sacrifice and with a view to continue one’s life for social service.
B. Concept of Co-Consumption :
In ancient literature, emphasis has been placed on co-consumption, which means people should consume and share commodities by mutual distribution. Abundance and property is God’s gift and should be used only by distributing it. It has been said in the scriptures that the accumulated money should be used on the expenses of kinsfolk, capital formation, religious and other welfare activities and the balance should be consumed.
It is said in Atharva Veda, “ O, Man, you must earn money with hundred hands, and becoming one with thousands, spend it.Only with this feeling can man obtain maximum satisfaction and the well-being of entire nation can increase.”
According to the religious tenets of Manu, Shukra, Vishnu, Yagyavalkya, man should indulge m consumption after feeding guests, servants, helpless persons, animals and birds. Kautilya even said that those who do not feed the children, the parents, the widows and the daughters should be punished by the state. Instructions have been given in Atharva Veda that all people should have equal food and drink. It believes that the person with high character considers the entire world as his family.
अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघु चेतसाम्।
उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्।
That is, it’s mine, it’s the outsider, the low-category person can keep such thoughts. People with high character believe in ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’. All persons living in the family should consume and share goods. People should also give a fair share of their income in charity. It has been said in the Mahabharata that there is nothing of mine in the things that are on the earth, means, in this, the others have rights in the same way as I have. Therefore, it has been said in the scriptures that humans should consume by sharing and distributing goods.
Question 2.
Explain the different points of the Code of Conduct of Consumption.
Answer:
The Code of Conduct for Consumption was laid down by ancient Indian economists, the main points of which are the following:
i. Consumption of that money only which is earned through justified means :
A person should do morally- acceptable consumption through wealth obtained by proper means. The basic objective of agriculture, trade, commerce, etc. activities is to remove the insufficiencies of man and making him happy, but consumption through money earned by unjust means is useless.
ii. Prohibition on consuming comfort alone :
A person should not consume alone. One should not consume before feeding poor people who have no means of livelihood.
iii. Balanced consumption is health-promoting :
Chanakya and Manu say that balanced consumption is beneficial for health and longevity. The right of man is only over that much which satisfies his hunger.
iv. Morality in Consumption :
Manu gives morality a prominent place in consumption of things. Provision of punishment has been made for people who consume by stealing things. Shukra consider the consumption of gambling, wine, etc. vices as improper.
v. Prohibition on Excessive Consumption :
Shukracharya writes that people who harbor high aspirations with regard to consumption, even the things available in the entire universe are not sufficient to fulfill their desire. Therefore consumption is definitely the most important priority, however, beggary and poverty has been considered to be as bad as death even in life.
vi. Prohibition of Debt :
Based Consumption- It has been directed in ancient economic thought to spend methodically and sensibly the self-earned and self-owned money. It is mentioned in Rigveda that one should not have to mention one’s poverty before a wealthy man. The lack of money should not trouble me. Poverty should not approach me. We should live in debt-free sunshine and be comfortable in sufficiency of food. This does not mean that loans are not taken. When in want and adversity, loan was taken, but it was directed that loans should be repaid at the earliest. ‘
vii. Prohibition on Miserliness :
In ancient Indian thought, stress had been laid on balance and restrained consumption and miserliness has been condemned. Miserliness strips a man to nakedness. A miser cannot utilize the money he receives. A miser’s wealth is akin to the grains collected by mice. This does not provide any comfort or happiness to the accumulator. The consumption should be done, by doing away with miserliness. Miserliness and non-performances of charity has been incessantly and strongly condemned in Indian Philosophy because miserliness effectively reduces the demand in society, increases unemployment and destroys the objective of justified distribution in society.
viii. Hoarding of foodgrains and Consumption :
Foodgrains should not be accumulated more than our needs and storage and collection should be done for a minimum period of time. If grains are hoarded in excess of needs, the surplus should be distributed among needy people. Water stored in seas is not fit for drinking, whereas the water falling from clouds in the sea is pure. Hoarding creates many problems, because the king, relatives and thieves have an eye on it. However, it is necessary for the king to collect and store, since foodgrains are needed to face adverse situations like famine, floods, drought, etc. and to supply food for servants and employees.
Question 3.
Explain the objectives and importance of earning.
Answer:
There are many requirements of a human being and it is needed to earn money to fulfill them. Money is also needed to fulfill all the social duties and obligations of man. Money is the basis of happiness, therefore it is necessary for every person to earn as per the requirement. According to ancient Indian scriptures, the importance of money can be explained under the following headings-
i. The Importance of Wealth in Life :
Wealth is the means for completion of any objective. Enterprise in lack of money is similar to extracting oil from sand. The importance of wealth is described in the Ramayan – Only the wealthy man is considered to be courageous, earned and having all good speech and lull of beauty and grace. All good qualities and virtues depend on wealth. All difficulties that man faces could be overcome with wealth. Life is impossible without money.
ii. Wealth-Life perspective :
Money was the first to be a part of life. Then comes religion to control money. Religion is considered to be the factor that controls Wealth. Thus, it is always the pure, and justifiably earned wealth, that is accepted in Indian religious texts.
iii. Supremacy of Wealth :
All activities of man are based on money, and the basis of wealth is labour. Without wealth man’s duties, efforts, salvation and the journey of life is not possible. It is because of wealth alone that religion, performance of duties, salvation and education are done.
iv. For Physical and Spirtual Contentment :
It is wealth that fulfills spiritual benefit and salvation and all other human efforts. Wealth creates sources for religion since money is needed for all religious activities.
v. For Prosperity and Security of the Country :
The security and prosperity of the country is also dependent on wealth. The Mahabharata says “ The basis of a King’s power is wealth, because the sustenance of employees, charity and donation, purchase of elephants and horses, repairs of the forts, commerce, religion, effort and work are done through treasury. The royal treasury is the basis of army and army is the basic protector of all religions. The Agni Purana also considers wealth to be the means of a State’s prosperity and security.
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