1. The number of Civil Society Organizations is increasing every year in Bhutan. Do you think Bhutan should encourage the growth of Civil Societies? Explain your views with TWO justifications.
Ans.
Yes, because
i. With the increasing population,
it is difficult for the government to provide every services to the people. So,
such volunteered organisation help the government in reaching out the services
to the public.
ii. CSOs helps achieve the plans
and policies through various programs by the volunteered individuals.
iii. It help instil the sense of
self-help mechanism in the development of the society, etc.
[OR]
No, because
i. More CSOs would require more
financial sources. Due to the lack of funding sources, CSOs would face
difficulties in achieving its aims and objectives in the long run.
ii. Existence of more CSOs would
lead to the conflicts while trying to achieve its aims and objectives, etc.
2. Briefly explain the role of the
monarch in maintaining the effective and efficient functioning of the
government after the dissolution of the elected government.
Ans. After
the dissolution of the government after the tenure of five years, His Majesty
will “appoint an Interim Government to
function for a period, which shall not exceed ninety days, to enable the
Election Commission to hold free and fair elections.” (Article 19, Clause 1). This will ensure the effective and
efficient functioning of the government until the new government takes over the
responsibility.
3. Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar
Namgyel Wangchuck issued a Royal Kasho on education reform. The Royal Kasho
stated the need to create a time-bound Council for education Reform. If you were
chosen as a member of the Council, what SIX proposals would you like to list to
realize the visions of the Druk Gyalpo?
Ans. As a member of the Council of
the Education Reform, I would suggest:
1.
To increase the STEM education
facilities across the country
2.
To provide internet connectivity
in the school
3.
To initiate a youth engagement
programs
4.
To include Global Citizenship
Education as a mandatory curriculum
5.
To include the curriculum on AI,
Blockchain, digital wallet and banking, etc.
4. Do you think some of the
practices of the present lifestyle can be attributed to the Indus Valley
Civilization? Discuss TWO points to present your argument.
Ans. Yes,
(i). Road system
The road system of modern times follows the
technique of Indus Civilisation such as the use of a grid system and cutting at
the right angle which can be found in every city and town.
(ii). Drainage system
The modern drainage system can be
found no different from the drainage system of Indus Towns where it was built
with provisions of soak pits and manholes to help clean the drains. [OR]
(iii) The Great Bath
The modern swimming pools have the
same design and dimensions of the Indus’ Great Bath.
(iv) Granary
The Indus towns had the technique of
building storage houses for the grains for the future uses. Storages (or
storehouses) in the modern times have inherited the same technique for storing
the grains and other items.
5. Analyze the significance of the
Directive Principles of State Policy as an important article in the
constitution of Bhutan. Explain FOUR points.
Ans.
Article 9 (Directive Principles of
State Policy) of the Constitution act as a ‘yardstick’ or a ‘guide’ for the
government in the planning and implementation of plans and policies in the
country.
1.
It ensures the government to
provide peace and security of the people and the country
2.
It ensures sustainable and
equitable economic development in the country
3.
It ensures free education and
health services to her citizens
4.
It ensures the preservation and
promotion of cultural and spiritual lives of the people, etc.
6. Imagine you are asked to
furnish with one oral history research on any topic in your village. Create a
plan to conduct research. Your plan must refer to the processes of conducting
oral history research.
7. Explain any TWO points on how
people were benefited by the introduction of the Dessung project by His Majesty
the king in our country?
Ans. Desuung Project by His
Majesty the King has been an immense help to the people through several
voluntary national services and programs.
(i) Dessups have been providing
the services through rescue operations during the occurrence of the natural
disasters in the country (peace and security).
(ii) During the Covid-19 pandemic,
Desuups acted as the ‘frontliners’ helping the people and country from the
pandemic. [OR]
(iii) Through the Desuung skilling program,
the youth got an opportunity to gain skills leading to an unemployment problems
in the country.
(iv) Desuung project had helped
achieve ‘100 million fruit tree plantation’ program ensuring food security
for the people.
(v) Desuung project helped the people access
to safe and enough drinking water supplies through water project (water
security) under the command of His Majesty the king.
8. One of the pillars of GNH is
the conservation and preservation of Environment. List FOUR significances of conservation of our natural environment
for Bhutan.
Ans.
1.
It
help in the preserving biodiversity (both flora and fauna) in the country. Bhutan
is recognised as 10th position in the world’s hotspot biodiversity.
2.
It helps in water resource management ensuring a continuous
supply of water supply for agriculture and hydropower. Bhutan generates
maximum revenue from the hydroelectricity production.
3.
It helps promote tourism through a pristine natural
beauty attracting tourists and generating revenue for the country. Tourism
has been another source of income generation for the country.
4.
The
rich forest helps mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon and greenhouse
gases. Bhutan is renowned as a ‘Carbon Negative’ country in the world.
9. If you were the policy maker/drafting committee of Constitution.
What points would you add to one of the articles of our ‘Spiritual Heritage.’
Mention THREE points of Discussion.
Ans.
1.
Conducting
Choeshed Layrim (religious teaching) sessions in the Dzongkhags every
year. Such programs will enhance the people to maintain the religious practices
in the country.
2.
Initiating
an awareness program on the importance of spiritual heritage through radio and
television broadcasts.
3.
Organising
an exhibition of sacred relics and treasures to instil values and devotion of
the people.
10. Bhutan is a sovereign state.
Discuss any TWO characteristics of a sovereign state to support this statement.
Ans.
1.
Population: Population is an important characteristic of a state.
Bhutan has about seven hundred thousand people living in the country. Every
Bhutanese enjoy the fundamental rights and participate in the decision-making
process as a citizen.
2.
Territory: Bhutan has its own territorial boundary. The
international boundaries are respected by the countries such as China in the
north and India in the south.
3.
Government: Bhutan practices Democratic Constitutional Monarchy
system and the elected government functions according to the Constitution of
Bhutan and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. King is the Head of the
State and Prime Minister is the Head of the Government.
4.
Sovereignty: Sovereignty is another important characteristic of a
state. Bhutan has been independent and never colonised by the foreign powers.
11. Why do you think Spain and
Portugal spearheaded the idea of exploration? Give any THREE reasons.
Ans.
1. Invention of New Ships
Invention of new ships which are faster and stronger helped the Spanish
and Portuguese sailors travel across the world.
2.
New
Technological Aid to Navigation
Invention
of Cartography (map making) and Compass made the navigation easier.
3. Royal
Patronage
Prince Henry, the navigator established the ‘school
of navigation’ and sponsored numerous expeditions. In Spain, King Ferdinand and
Queen Isabella sponsored the explorations.
4.
The
two countries, especially Spain had better weapons.
12. "It has been my construct
endeavor to build Bhutan into a country that retains the best aspects of its
rich traditional and cultural heritage while at the same time achieving
economic growth and social progress." If you were the Minister for Home
and Cultural Affairs in Bhutan, what measures would you take to retain the rich
traditional and cultural heritage of Bhutan in the rapidly changing world?
Suggest any FOUR measures.
Ans.
1.
Initiate
cultural dance completion among the Dzongkhags with attractive prizes to
encourage people to practice culture.
2.
Using
the Dzongkha language is a must in every official correspondence (official
letters) to promote the Dzongkha language.
3.
Conducting
various traditional games and sports annually in the country to promote
Bhutanese traditional games and sports.
4.
Build
a museum in every Dzongkhag to collect and preserve the cultural and
traditional history.
13. What would have been the
situation in Bhutan had Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel not created a unique national
identity? Justify your answer with any FOUR points.
Ans.
1.
Bhutan
is recognised as one of the independent state. This would not have been
possible without a proper leadership of Zhabdrung in the country.
2.
Bhutan
is gifted with a unique culture and tradition which helped the country remain
independent. This would not have been possible without Zhabdrung.
3.
People
has been enjoying the independence since Zhabdrung’s era and it continues under
the leadership of the monarchs.
4.
One
important thing that makes the country peaceful and happy is the good
administrative system introduced by Zhabdrung, the Choesid System. Such an
administrative system helps the people and country remain prosperous and
independent.
14. Do you think Bhutan's cultural
and religious heritage is important to her sovereignty and independence?
Explain your views with TWO justifications.
Ans.
Yes, Bhutan’s cultural and religious heritage is important to her sovereignty
and independence because:
1.
It
is one of the sources of unity among the people. Cultural and religious
heritage strengthens people's sense of belonging and is also a main factor in
Bhutan's sovereignty and independence.
2.
Bhutan
does not have economic and military power like other developed countries, and
its unique culture and traditions are the only factors that make Bhutan
recognised as an independent state in the world.
15. What would have happened to
Bhutan, if Europeans had explored our country during the Age of Enlightenment?
Briefly explain your views with FIVE points.
Ans.
i.
European
inventions and ideas would have spread in the country resulting in achieving
early economic development.
ii.
Bhutan
would have had well-established trade routes.
iii.
Bhutan
would have economically developed.
iv.
Bhutan
would have been economically exploited (Bhutan’s natural resources would have
become extinct).
v.
Bhutanese
people would been traded as slaves to the New World (America).
vi.
Spread
of diseases would have taken the lives of the Bhutanese.
16. Imagine that Zhabdrung had not
segregated the religious and political affairs in the country. What kind of
political and religious situations do you think could have been in the country
today?
Ans.
If religious and political affairs
had not been segregated by Zhabdrung, the crisis would have spread in the
country. The interference between
politics and religion would bring disharmony among the people, hence the
separation between the two has been given importance since the Third Druk
Gyalpo. It is even mentioned in the Constitution of Bhutan which states the
separation of religion and politics.
17. His Majesty received full
exposure to global learning without losing touch with the traditions and
disciplines of the royal household. Why do you think grooming for kingship is
necessary for the Crown Prince? Discuss FOUR points.
Ans. The grooming of the kingship
is necessary for the Crown Prince:
1.
New leadership in the new era
2.
Leadership for Continuity and
Stability
3.
Help understand the people and
their needs
4.
Preservation of tradition and
culture.
18. His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo
has been maintaining the friendship of our closest neighbours and other
countries in the world. Think of FIVE consequences for not being able to
maintain diplomatic relations with our neighbouring countries.
Ans.
1.
No economic benefits
There would be less
economic development in the country without trade relations with other
countries. Today, Bhutan has good trade relations with its neighbours especially
with India and other South Asian neighbours.
2.
Threat to Bhutan’s Security.
3.
Isolation
4.
Socio-cultural relations
5.
19. Explain how you think the rigid
caste system and change in the mode of worship during the later Vedic
period led to the rise of the socio-cultural movement.
Ans.
i.
Rigid caste system- among the people, Brahmins were positioned in the
highest social order with several privileges such as not required to pay taxes
and free from punishments. Whereas, the others like Vaishyas and the Shudras
(lowest in the social order) were denied of such privileges. People felt the existence
of inequalities through such division.
ii. Change in
the mode of worship during the later vedic period- The vedic ritual
practices became expensive and the common people especially the peasants could
not afford to conduct the ritual practices. Such practices were mostly
affordable to the high caste people.
20. Imagine you are a member of
the Parliament in Bhutan. Write a proposal for preserving and promoting the
spiritual and cultural heritage of Bhutan.
Ans.
1.
Initiate
cultural dance completion among the Dzongkhags with attractive prizes to
encourage people to practice culture.
2.
Using
the Dzongkha language is a must in every official correspondence (official
letters) to promote the Dzongkha language.
3.
Conducting
various traditional games and sports annually in the country to promote
Bhutanese traditional games and sports.
4.
Build
a museum in every Dzongkhag to collect and preserve the cultural and
traditional history.
5.
Conducting
Choeshed Layrim (religious teaching) sessions in the Dzongkhags every
year. Such programs will enhance the people to maintain the religious practices
in the country.
6.
Initiating
an awareness program on the importance of spiritual heritage through radio and
television broadcasts.
7.
Organising
an exhibition of sacred relics and treasures to instil values and devotion of
the people.
21. Briefly explain how the birth of Gyalsey
Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck ensures political stability and continuity of
leadership in the country.
Ans.
The birth of Gyalsey Jigme Namgyal Wangchuck
will ensure political stability and continuity of leadership in the country
because if the Druk Gyalpo resigns by 2045, Gyalsey will reign on the throne
for 36 years (one of the longest reigns) and will have presided over eight
governments.
22. Bhutan's transition to democracy is unique
and unprecedented in the annals of History. Support the statement with TWO points.
Ans. Bhutan’s transition to democracy is unique
and unprecedented in the annals of history because:
Democracy is an initiative of the Monarch.
The Democratic Constitutional Monarchy system
was initiated and gifted to the people by the Monarch despite the people’s
reluctance to the new system of governance.
Peaceful transition to Democracy.
The transition of the government was peaceful in
Bhutan without any violence as it was carefully initiated with well-planned
democratic reforms.
23. With TWO examples, explain how the National
Rehabilitation Program has benefited the people.
Ans.
1.
Helped
increase in income and improved lifestyle.
2. Helped
in the reduction of poverty
3.
Created sustainable livelihoods for the people,
etc.
24. Explain the significance of the birth of
Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck in relation to One Hundred and Eight Years of the
founding of the Monarchy.
Ans.
The
number 108 is considered a sacred number in Buddhism. The teachings of Buddha
are compiled in 108 volumes known as Kangyur.
108 is the number in prayer beads just as it is for the hoisting of prayer
flags. This is said to remove misfortunes or obstacles associated with 108
types of defilements.
25. Imagine that you are carrying out a small
research. From two sources which do you think will help you to carry out the
research effectively and why?
Ans. Primary
sources will be more effective than secondary sources to carry out research
because, they are first-hand information and subjective which will help produce
authentic historical information.
26. Assume you are the Chief Executive Officer
of Bhutan Ability Society. Explain which characteristic you will uphold the
most and, why?
Ans.
1.
Non-profit, because such organisations are
not for profit rather it is to provide service to the people where it is out of
reach from the government services.
2.
Volunteerism, because CSOs are mostly formed by the individuals who has the similar
interest and ideas to provide service to the people.
3.
Non-partisan, because the services provided to the people should not be biased.
27. Analyze TWO core ideas that drove the Age of
Enlightenment to the Age of Exploration by the Europeans.
Ans.
1. Invention of New Ships
The invention of new ships which are faster and stronger helped the
Spanish and Portuguese sailors travel across the world.
2.
New
Technological Aid to Navigation
The
invention of Cartography (map making) and Compass made navigation easier. [OR]
3. Royal
Patronage
Prince Henry, the navigator established the ‘school
of navigation’ and sponsored numerous expeditions. In Spain, King Ferdinand and
Queen Isabella sponsored the explorations.
28. The 6th Century BCE witnessed many socio-cultural
movements in different parts of the world. Discuss FIVE factors that led to the
rise of Socio-Cultural movements.
Ans.
1.
Change in the Nature of Worship in Later Vedic Period
(Reaction against Existing Religion)
2.
Rigid Caste system and supremacy of Brahmins
3.
Sacrificial rituals
4.
Difficult language of Vedas (Sanskrit religious text)
5.
Introduction of the new agriculture economy
6.
Preference for simple and ascetic life
29. The Buddha's ideas and vision captured the
hearts and feelings of a huge cross-section of the society of his time and
eventually spread all over Asia. Analyze THREE existing practices and beliefs in adopting new principles that suit the changing conditions.
Ans.
1. Mindfulness practices- It has become an
important part of daily activities to enhance the meaning of life.
2. Understanding the Four Noble Truth-
Understanding the ‘truth’ ‘knowledge’
3. Practising the Eightfold Path- understanding
the cause and effect and putting to practise the righteousness.
30. Bhutan Youth Development Foundation, under
the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mother Azhi Tshering Pem Wangchuck addresses the high youth unemployment rate that continues
to straddle aspiring Bhutanese youth. Discuss citing three examples.
Ans.
1.
Providing
scholarships to disadvantaged youth helps the young people enhance their qualifications.
Many Bhutanese children have benefitted from the scholarships.
2.
Providing
skills development to the youth makes them ready for employment opportunities.
Mainly school dropouts and unemployed youths can achieve self-reliance through
skills training.
3.
Providing
opportunities to juvenile delinquents (victims of substance abuse) by counseling
and guidance, etc.
31. Explain Gautama's three-phase journey in
search for the truth of existence.
Ans.
1.
The first part
was his mastering the art of meditation.
2.
The second was
his years of asceticism and self-mortification,
3.
The final was
the pursuance of the middle path to transcend the darkness of human negativity
and move into a state of clarity and wisdom in complete serenity.
32. Oral history is a technique in
historiography. Analyze THREE merits and demerits of oral history in recording history.
Ans.
|
Merits |
Demerits |
|
1. Oral
history provides first-hand information from the witness of the event. |
1. Oral
history tends to be subjective and biased. |
|
2. It helps
preserve local knowledge of the past. |
2. There will
be a distortion of information over time. |
|
3. It provides
diverse narratives and perspectives. |
3. Difficulty
in getting the information as required. |
33. As a school captain, what activities would
you initiate in your school to uphold the Article 4 of the constitution of
Bhutan?
Ans.
1.
Initiate
evening prayers daily
2.
Conducting
choeshoe layrim (religious teachings)
3.
Conducting
Rimdro (religious rituals), etc.
34. Discuss how the following initiatives of our
beloved Druk Gyalpo have benefited the nation:
i. Bhutan Media Foundation
Ans. The
establishment of BMF has helped in the growth of a strong responsible media capable of
playing an important role in the social, economic and political growth of the
nation. Media play an important role in the socio-
economic
and political growth of the nation. It acts as a ‘watch dog’ in the democratic governance
system. It creates a transparency between the people and the government in the
day to day affairs.
ii. Historic Local Government, 2011
Ans. The
local government election in 2011 was a historic as for the first time the Geog
Chairpersons were awarded Dhar (Scarf) and Patang (traditional
Bhutanese sword) by His Majesty sensing the importance of the grass root
government. It strengthened the local governing body with extra responsibility
in providing better services to the people.
iii. Anti-Corruption Act 2011
Ans. Strengthening the ACC with the adoption of
ACC Act have helped the country with uprooting the corruption practices in the
country. Corruption occurs in the governance system such as in democracy due to
involvement of the people in electing the representatives and formation of
government.
35. Buddha was born to royal parents of Sakya
Clan, but renounced his home life to live as wondering ascetic leading a life
of a begging, asceticism and meditation, which aspect of the Buddha's life can
you relate to? Justify your answer with FOUR examples.
Ans.
i. Going for the higher studies in another
country leaving behind family (renounce/renunciation)
ii. Staying away from the family in the school
as a boarder student (asceticism)
iii. Learning different subjects to gain
knowledge (meditation)
iv. Earning money through temporary job during
the vacation,
v.
Helping the other beings, etc.
36. The travel between the old and the new world
was a huge environment turning point, called the Columbian Exchange. Do you
think the Columbian Exchange was a blessing for the world? Support your answers
with THREE points.
Ans. (Either
Positive/Negative)
Positive Impact
1.
Well-developed connectivity (routes) between the
two worlds for collaboration.
2.
Exchange of food resources
3.
Exchange of ideas and development
Negative Impact
1.
Economic exploitation (taking away resources)
2.
Introduction of the slave system and slave
trading
3.
Spread of diseases
37. What are the significances of the
constitution of Bhutan?
Ans.
1.
It is the backbone of the successful practices
of Democratic Constitutional Monarchy
2.
It provides Fundamental Rights and Duties to the
citizen (Articles 7 & 8).
3.
It protects traditional cultural and religious
practices (Articles 3 &4)
4.
It mandates environmental conservation and
protection (Article 5)
5.
It promotes equitable and sustainable
development in the country, etc.
38. During the 113th National Day
celebration in Punakha, The Royal Kasho emphasizes on education reforms and
civil services reforms. State FOUR significance of the Royal Kasho.
Ans.
1.
It will ensure student to prepare
for the challenges ahead due to the changing times. Youth need to acquire the
21st century knowledge and skills.
2.
The improved quality of education
and curriculum will enhance the skills in our youth to be employable.
3.
The parliamentary democratic
governance system requires the people to be aware and participate in the day to
day affairs
4.
To include the curriculum on AI,
Blockchain, digital wallet and banking, etc.
39. As a youth of the 21st century,
what can you do to do away with the rigid caste system in the Hindu religion?
Write any two measures.
Ans.
1. Spread awareness on the negative impacts of
the caste system in the society through programs.
2. Help the affected group of people with
various support.
40. Briefly explain the
significance of the birth of Drukyul’s Crown Prince, Gyalse Jigme Namgyal
Wangchuck.
Ans.
1.
Coincides with Five Auspicious occasions [Birth Year of Guru Rinpochhe, 400th
Year of Zhabdrung’s arrival in Bhutan, 60th Birth Anniversary of the
4th King,
10
Years reign of the 5th King]
2.
Continuity of Wangchuk Dynasty
3.
Long future reign of Gyalsey
4.
Age at the time of enthronement in the future.
5.
Continuity of the National Leadership.
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