Kerala SSLC Social Science key terms

The rigid outer shell of the Earth, made up of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is broken into plates that move slowly and cause earthquakes and volcanoes.

The theory that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into large plates that drift over the softer mantle. Their collision, separation and sliding explain mountain building, earthquakes and volcanic activity.

The idea proposed by Alfred Wegener that the continents once formed a single landmass and later drifted apart. Matching coastlines, fossils and rock formations across oceans support it.

A seasonal reversal of wind direction that brings a marked wet and dry period. In India the southwest monsoon brings heavy rain from June to September and shapes farming and water supply.

A long mountain range running parallel to India's west coast. It forces moist monsoon winds to rise, causing heavy orographic rainfall on its western slopes and a dry rain shadow to the east.

The dry region on the leeward side of a mountain range. Moist air loses its water as rain on the windward slope, so descending air is warm and dry on the other side.

A reddish, iron-rich soil formed by heavy leaching in hot, wet climates. It is common in Kerala and the Konkan coast, hardens when exposed, and suits crops like cashew and rubber with fertiliser.

A network of brackish lakes and lagoons lying parallel to the Kerala coast, linked to the sea by narrow openings. Backwaters support fishing, inland transport and tourism.

The average number of children a woman would bear in her lifetime at current birth rates. Kerala's rate has fallen below replacement level, contributing to slower population growth.

The official count of a country's population, carried out at regular intervals, recording numbers, age, sex, literacy and occupation. It provides the basic data for planning and policy.

A composite measure of average achievement in health, education and income, expressed between 0 and 1. It is used to compare living standards between countries and states.

Development that meets present needs without destroying the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It balances economic growth, social welfare and environmental protection.

A natural resource that is naturally replenished within a short time, such as sunlight, wind, water and biomass. Careful use is still needed so that consumption does not exceed renewal.

A resource such as coal, petroleum or minerals that forms over millions of years and is used up faster than it is replaced. Its extraction and burning also cause pollution.

The warming of the Earth's surface as gases like carbon dioxide trap outgoing heat. It keeps the planet habitable, but human emissions have strengthened it and caused global warming.

The long-term rise in average global temperature caused mainly by increased greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels. It leads to melting ice, rising seas and extreme weather.

The total amount of greenhouse gases released by a person, product, organisation or country, usually expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent. It helps measure and reduce climate impact.

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units, each with its own defined sphere. India's Constitution distributes powers between the Union and the States.

The part of the Indian Constitution that lists subjects under the Union List, State List and Concurrent List. It defines which level of government can legislate on each subject.

The system of local self-government in rural India, with elected bodies at village, block and district levels. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment gave it constitutional status and reserved seats for women and marginalised groups.

The transfer of power, functions and resources from central and state governments to local bodies. It brings decision-making closer to people and strengthens participatory democracy.

Basic rights guaranteed to every citizen by Part III of the Indian Constitution, such as equality, freedom of speech and protection from exploitation. Courts can enforce them against the state.

Guidelines in Part IV of the Indian Constitution that the state should follow to promote social and economic justice. They are not directly enforceable in courts but guide law-making.

A formal written order issued by a court commanding a person or authority to act or refrain from acting. Habeas corpus, mandamus and certiorari are writs used to protect rights.

The principle that the state treats all religions equally, neither favouring nor opposing any, and that religion is kept separate from state affairs. India's Constitution establishes this principle.

The right of every adult citizen to vote in elections regardless of caste, religion, sex, wealth or education. India adopted it at the very first general election.

An independent constitutional body that conducts and supervises elections, prepares electoral rolls and enforces the model code of conduct. It safeguards the fairness of the electoral process.

A voting method in which a voter's choice is kept confidential, usually by marking a paper or an electronic voting machine privately. It protects voters from pressure and intimidation.

A programme that raised crop yields by using high-yielding seed varieties, chemical fertilisers, pesticides and irrigation. It increased food output but widened regional inequalities and harmed soil and water.

The growing interconnection of economies and societies through trade, investment, technology and migration. It brings new markets and ideas but can also expose local producers to harsh competition.

The removal or reduction of government controls on economic activity, such as licences, tariffs and restrictions on foreign investment. India adopted it widely in its reforms of 1991.

An international body that sets rules for trade between countries and settles disputes. It promotes freer trade but has been criticised for favouring rich nations in negotiations.

The part of the economy that directly uses natural resources, including agriculture, fishing, forestry and mining. It employs a large share of India's workforce but contributes a shrinking share of output.

The part of the economy that transforms raw materials into manufactured goods, such as factories, construction and electricity generation. It adds value to primary products.

The part of the economy that provides services rather than goods, such as transport, banking, education, health and trade. It is the fastest-growing sector in India.

A record or object created at the time of an event by someone who witnessed it, such as letters, inscriptions, coins or official documents. It is used as direct evidence in historical study.

A work that interprets or analyses primary evidence, such as a textbook, biography or journal article. It is one step removed from the event and reflects the author's perspective.

A place where public records, manuscripts and documents are preserved for research. Archives in India hold colonial-era records that historians use to reconstruct the past.