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CBSE Class 12 History Sample Paper 2024-25
HISTORY (027) Class XII: 2024-25 SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER
Time Allowed: 3 Hours Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- The question paper comprises five
Sections – A, B, C, D, and E. There are
34 questions in the question paper. All questions are compulsory. - Section A – Questions 1 to 21 are MCQs
of 1 mark each. - Section B – Questions 22 to 27 are Short
Answer Type Questions, carrying 3 marks each. Answer to each
question should not exceed 60-80 words. - Section C – Questions 28 to 30 are Long
Answer Type Questions, carrying 8 marks each. Answer to each
question should not exceed 300-350 words. - Section D – Questions 31 to 33 are Source-based
questions with three sub-questions, each carrying 4 marks. - Section E – Question 34 is Map-based,
carrying 5 marks. This includes the identification and location
of significant test items. Attach the map with the answer book. - There is no overall choice
in the question paper. However, internal choice has been provided
in a few questions. Only one of the choices in such questions must
be attempted. - Separate instructions are provided
with each section and question, wherever necessary.
History Sample Question Paper
2024-25 (Class 12) – Concept Map
1. Section A: Objective Type Questions
(वस्तुनिष्ठ प्रकार के प्रश्न)
- Multiple choice questions covering various historical topics
such as: - Sangam Literature (संगम साहित्य)
- Satavahana Dynasty (सातवाहन वंश)
- Buddhist Bodhisattva Concept (बौद्ध बोधिसत्व की अवधारणा)
- Indus Valley Archaeologists (सिंधु घाटी के पुरातत्वविद)
- Ajanta Cave Paintings (अजंता गुफा चित्रकला)
- Gandhiji’s Champaran Movement (गांधीजी का चंपारण आंदोलन)
2. Section B: Short Answer Questions
(संक्षिप्त उत्तर वाले प्रश्न)
- Analytical and interpretative questions based on historical
developments like: - Harappan City Layout & Cleanliness (हड़प्पा नगर योजना और स्वच्छता)
- Bhakti and Sufi Movements Impact (भक्ति और सूफी आंदोलनों का प्रभाव)
- Jotedars in Bengal (बंगाल में जमींदारों का उदय)
- 1857 Rebellion Objectives (1857 के विद्रोह के उद्देश्य)
3. Section C: Long Answer Questions
(दीर्घ उत्तर वाले प्रश्न)
- In-depth discussions on topics such as:
- Philosophical & Religious Developments in India
(भारत में दार्शनिक और धार्मिक विकास) - Vijayanagar Empire Architecture (विजयनगर साम्राज्य की वास्तुकला)
- Constituent Assembly and Social Justice (संविधान सभा और सामाजिक न्याय)
4. Section D: Source-Based Questions
(स्रोत-आधारित प्रश्न)
- Questions analyzing historical sources:
- Inscriptions and their Significance (अभिलेख और उनका महत्व)
- Al-Biruni’s Translations and Cross-Cultural Exchange
(अल-बिरूनी के अनुवाद और सांस्कृतिक
आदान-प्रदान) - Gandhi’s Salt March & Critique of Salt Tax
(गांधी का नमक सत्याग्रह और नमक कर की
आलोचना)
5. Section E: Map-Based Questions
(मानचित्र आधारित प्रश्न)
- Location and identification of significant historical places:
- Buddhist Sites like Sanchi (सांची जैसे बौद्ध स्थल)
- Vijayanagar Capital (विजयनगर की राजधानी)
- Centers of 1857 Revolt (1857 के विद्रोह के केंद्र)
Section A: Objective Type Questions (1 Mark Each)
- Which of the following options
accurately describes the significance of the Sangam Age in the context of
literature?
A. It marked the introduction of Sanskrit literature in South India.
B. It was a period of decline in literary activities in Tamil Nadu.
C. It witnessed the flourishing collection of ancient Tamil literature.
D. It was characterized by the dominance of Greek literature in India.
Answer: C – It witnessed the flourishing collection of ancient
Tamil literature.
- To which one of the following
dynasties did raja Gotami-puta Siri-Satakani belong?
A. Vakataka
B. Satvahana
C. Kushan
D. Gupta
Answer: B – Satvahana
- Two statements are given in the
question below as Assertion A and Reason R. Read the statements and choose
the appropriate option.
Assertion(A): Recovering artefacts is merely the initial step in the
archaeological process.
Reason(R): Archaeologists employ various methods such as classification based
on material and function, analysis of contextual clues, and reliance on
indirect evidence to understand the significance and purpose of artefacts.
Options:
A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
C. (A) is correct, but (R) is not correct
D. (R) is correct, but (A) is not correct.
Answer: A – Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A)
- Consider the following statements
regarding Buddhism and choose the correct option.
I. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
II. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
III. Bodhisattva achieves nibbana for personal salvation.
Options:
A. II & III
B. II & III
C. I & II
D. I & III
Answer: C – I & II
- Match the column I with column II
regarding the archaeologists who worked in the exploration of Indus Valley
and choose the correct option.
|
Column I |
Column II |
|
a. Daya Ram Sahni |
i. Authored “Mohenjodaro & the |
|
b. Rakhal Das Banerji |
ii. Discovered seals at Harappa |
|
c. John Marshall |
iii. Found seals at Mohenjodaro |
|
d. R.E.M. Wheeler |
iv. Authored “Ancient India” |
- Options:
A. a – (iii), b – (i), c – (ii), d – (iv)
B. a – (iii), b – (iv), c – (i), d – (ii)
C. a – (i), b – (ii), c – (iii), d – (iv)
D. a – (ii), b – (iii), c – (i), d – (iv) - Answer: D – a – (ii), b – (iii), c – (i),
d – (iv) - Identify the ruler of ancient
India with the help of the following information: - He was a prominent Shaka ruler.
- He rebuilt Sudarshana Lake in the
second century CE. - He showcased his engagement with
Sanskritic traditions.
A. Vikramaditya II
B. Bhaskaravarman
C. Bimbisara
D. Rudradaman
Answer: D – Rudradaman
- Identify which of the following options
refers to the ancient cave painting given below?
A. Ajanta Cave Paintings
B. Bagh Cave Paintings
C. Sittanavasal Cave Paintings
D. Ellora Cave Paintings
Answer: A – Ajanta Cave Paintings
For visually impaired candidates (in lieu of Q7):
In which of the following regions is the Kailasha temple located?
A. Rajasthan
B. Maharashtra
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Uttar Pradesh
Answer: B – Maharashtra
- Which of the following skills can
be identified from Al-Biruni’s writings?
A. Proficiency in diplomacy and political negotiation
B. Fluency in multiple languages and a broad intellectual curiosity
C. Expertise in military strategy and warfare tactics
D. Exceptional talent for storytelling and vivid descriptions
Answer: B – Fluency in multiple languages and a broad intellectual
curiosity
- Which of the following statements
is incorrect about Andal?
A. Andal was a woman Alvar, the most striking features of her compositions
were widely sung.
B. Andal was a woman Nayanar; she incorporated the prevailing caste system in
society.
C. Andal saw herself as the beloved of Vishnu; her verses express her love for
the deity.
D. Andal saw herself as the beloved of Krishna; her verses express her love for
the deity.
Answer: B – Andal was a woman Nayanar; she incorporated the
prevailing caste system in society.
- Imagine you are analysing a
historical document from the Vijayanagar Empire. Which of the following
documents would be most helpful in understanding the relationship between
the empire and religious institutions?
A. A military
chronicle detailing the conquests of Vijayanagar rulers.
B. A record of diplomatic exchanges with traders and foreign ambassadors.
C. A legal code outlining the rights and responsibilities of urban classes.
D. An imperial decree granting land or privileges to a sacred organization.
Answer: D – An imperial decree granting land
or privileges to a sacred organization.
- Match the column I with column II
regarding the travellers who visited the Vijayanagar empire and choose the
correct option.
|
Column I |
Column II |
|
a. Nicolo de Conti |
i. Ambassador of Persia visited in |
|
b. Abdur Razzaq |
ii. Italian trader who visited in the |
|
c. Afanasii Nikitin |
iii. Portuguese traveller who visited |
|
d. Duarte Barbosa |
iv. Merchant from Russia who visited |
Options:
A. a – (iii), b – (i), c – (ii), d – (iv)
B. a – (iii), b – (iv), c – (i), d – (ii)
C. a – (i), b – (ii), c – (iii), d – (iv)
D. a – (ii), b – (i), c – (iv), d – (iii)
Answer: D – a – (ii), b – (i), c – (iv), d –
(iii)
- Which of the following
developments significantly contributed to the increased flow of silver
bullion into India through trade with Europe during the 16th-18th
centuries?
A. The rise of
the Ottoman Empire in Asia
B. The opening of the new world through voyages
C. The Ming Dynasty’s expansion into Southeast Asia
D. The decline of the Safavid Empire in Asia
Answer: B – The opening of the new world
through voyages
- How did the compilation of the
Ain-i Akbari contribute to Emperor Akbar’s vision of governance? Choose
the best suitable option from the following.
A. By
emphasizing military strategies for territorial expansion
B. By documenting religious rituals and practices across the empire
C. By providing information on administrative and cultural traditions
D. By focusing on trade routes and economic policies
Answer: C – By providing information on
administrative and cultural traditions
- What insights did Francois Bernier
provide about the economic structure of Mughal India? Choose the best
suitable option from the following.
A. The
prevalence of private land ownership and equitable distribution of wealth
B. The dominance of state-controlled resources and limitations on private
property
C. The absence of trade networks and economic isolation from global markets
D. The reliance on foreign investments and the absence of indigenous industries
Answer: B – The dominance of state-controlled
resources and limitations on private property
- Compare and contrast the impacts
of the American Civil War on cotton production in India and the United
States. Choose the best suitable option from the following.
A. Both
countries experienced a decline in cotton production due to the war
B. India’s cotton production increased while the United States experienced a
decline
C. The United States saw increased cotton production while India’s remained
stagnant
D. Both countries saw a surge in cotton exports during the war period
Answer: B – India’s cotton production
increased while the United States experienced a decline
- Why did the rebellion in Awadh
become a symbol of resistance against British rule? Choose the best
suitable option from the following.
A. Due to the
region’s economic prosperity under native rule
B. Due to the displacement of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and taluqdars
C. Due to favourable land revenue policies towards the peasantry
D. Due to Awadh’s central position for organizing rebel forces
Answer: B – Due to the displacement of Nawab
Wajid Ali Shah and taluqdars
- Which of the following represents
the correct chronological order of events related to agrarian developments
in India during the 19th century?
I. The
Permanent Settlement in Bengal
II. The Deccan Riots Commission
III. The Santhal Rebellion
IV. The Fifth Report by a Select Committee.
Options:
A. I, II, III & IV
B. II, III, IV & I
C. III, II, I & IV
D. I, IV, III & II
Answer: D – I, IV, III & II
- Which one of the following was
Gandhi’s main demand for the peasants in Champaran?
A. Increase in
minimum wages of workers
B. Freedom to cultivate the crops of their choice
C. Reduction in government taxes for social classes
D. Indian education for all farmers’ children
Answer: B – Freedom to cultivate the crops of
their choice
- Complete the following with the
correct option regarding the role of leaders in the history of nationalism
of their respective countries.
Ho Chi Minh:
Vietnam, George Washington: ___________
A. USA
B. UK
C. France
D. Canada
Answer: A – USA
- Identify the ruler of India in the
1850s from the given options using the provided information.
A. Nana Sahib
B. Kunwar Singh
C. Birjis Qadr
D. Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah
Answer: A – Nana Sahib
- Which of the following were the
key ideals associated with the social struggles in India since the
nineteenth century?
A. Autonomy,
hierarchy, and traditionalism
B. Democracy, equality, and justice
C. Imperialism, colonialism, and bureaucracy
D. Monarchy, privilege, and conservatism
Answer: B – Democracy, equality, and justice
Section B: Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks Each)
22A. Analyse
the layout of Harappan cities to identify features that promoted cleanliness
and public health.
Answer:
i. Every house was connected to the street drains.
ii. Main channels were made of bricks and covered with loose bricks for
cleaning.
iii. Drains emptied into sumps or cesspits, allowing solid matter to settle
while wastewater flowed out.
OR
22B. Examine
the challenges historians face in deciphering the Harappan script.
Answer:
i. The Harappan script is enigmatic and remains undeciphered.
ii. It contains between 375 and 400 signs, making it not alphabetical but
possibly syllabic.
iii. Inscriptions are short, the longest containing around 26 signs.
- How does the Mahabharata show the
multicultural nature of ancient Indian society? Explain with examples.
Answer:
i. The Mahabharata incorporates stories, customs, and beliefs from various
regions of the Indian subcontinent, reflecting multiculturalism.
ii. It portrays variations in social practices like polyandry, polygamy,
exogamy, and endogamy.
iii. The epic showcases the interaction between different communities,
including Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and even tribal
groups.
24A. Examine
the impact of Bhakti and Sufi poetry on the development of regional languages
and literature.
Answer:
i. Bhakti and Sufi poets composed their verses in vernacular languages, helping
in the development of regional languages like Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Urdu,
etc.
ii. The Chishti Sufi saints used Hindavi and other local languages to reach the
masses.
iii. Bhakti saints like Kabir and Mirabai wrote in simple languages, making
their teachings accessible to common people.
OR
24B. Examine
how music and devotional songs in Bhakti and Sufi traditions serve spiritual
expression and community unity.
Answer:
i. Bhakti and Sufi traditions used music and poetry as vehicles for spiritual
expression, such as the Chishti Sufis performing qawwalis.
ii. Tevaram hymns and Sufi sama‘ music encouraged unity and collective
spiritual practices.
iii. Devotional music transcended linguistic and cultural barriers, bringing
communities together.
- Explain the term “Little
Republics” as applied to villages during the Mughal period.
Answer:
i. Villages during the Mughal period functioned as self-sufficient units
with their own systems of governance.
ii. Village elders, known as panchayats, resolved disputes and managed
village affairs.
iii. Trade and the production of goods facilitated by artisans and farmers
connected villages to larger economies, yet they retained internal
autonomy.
- Describe the aspirations and
objectives of the rebels during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, as reflected
in their proclamations and actions.
Answer:
i. Rebels condemned British policies such as annexations and land revenue
settlements, seeking to restore the old order.
ii. They expressed fears of British attempts to destroy Indian religions
and convert people to Christianity.
iii. The proclamations called for unification of Hindus and Muslims to
fight for their faith, honor, and livelihood.
- Analyse the rise of the Jotedars
and their significance in rural Bengal during the late 18th century.
Answer:
i. Jotedars were affluent peasants who acquired large landholdings and
dominated local agriculture.
ii. They exerted significant control over poor cultivators and resisted
zamindar authority.
iii. Their influence weakened the traditional zamindari system, shifting
power to a more local level of rural leadership.
Section C: Long Answer Type Questions (8 Marks Each)
28A. How did
the philosophical and religious developments during the first millennium BCE in
India influence socio-political aspects? Explain with examples.
Answer:
i. Thinkers like Buddha and Mahavira challenged established social norms,
promoting ideas of individual salvation and social equality.
ii. The Upanishads questioned ritualistic practices and emphasized meditation
and moral conduct, influencing rulers and subjects.
iii. The spread of Buddhism and Jainism contributed to new ethical values,
impacting governance and law in emerging kingdoms.
OR
28B. How did
the construction of stupas contribute to the spread of Buddhist teachings?
Explain with examples.
Answer:
i. Stupas were built at significant sites related to Buddha’s life, such as
Sarnath and Bodh Gaya, drawing pilgrims.
ii. Carvings and inscriptions on stupas like those at Sanchi depicted stories
from Buddha’s past lives, making teachings accessible to the illiterate.
iii. The architectural design of stupas, with their circular paths, promoted
meditation and symbolic teachings of the Buddhist path to enlightenment.
29A. ‘Vijayanagar
Empire was characterized by distinctive architecture and building styles.’
Justify the statement.
Answer:
i. The city was fortified by massive walls and unique water management systems
like the Hiriya Canal and Kamalapuram Tank.
ii. Structures like the Mahanavami Dibba and Lotus Mahal were examples of royal
architectural styles.
iii. Temples like the Virupaksha and Vitthala temples showcased intricate
carvings, music halls, and gopurams, blending Dravidian and Vijayanagar styles.
OR
29B. ‘The
establishment of the Vijayanagar Empire is considered significant in the
history of the Indian subcontinent.’ Justify the statement.
Answer:
i. The empire controlled vital trade routes, attracting merchants from the
Indian Ocean region and fostering economic prosperity.
ii. Its strong fortifications ensured defense and maintained sovereignty in
South India.
iii. Vijayanagar rulers patronized literature, art, and temple construction,
leaving a lasting cultural legacy.
30A. How did
the Constituent Assembly address the issue of social justice, particularly
concerning the rights of the people? Explain.
Answer:
i. The assembly debated issues such as minority rights, reservations for the
oppressed, and equality in access to resources.
ii. Sardar Patel strongly opposed separate electorates for minorities,
advocating national unity.
iii. Jaipal Singh, a tribal representative, emphasized the need to protect
tribal rights and uplift marginalized communities.
OR
30B. Explain
the distribution of powers between the Centre and the States, as debated in the
Constituent Assembly, highlighting differing viewpoints and concerns.
Answer:
i. The assembly proposed three lists: Union, State, and Concurrent, dividing
responsibilities between the Centre and States.
ii. Some leaders argued for a strong Centre to maintain national unity, while
others like K. Santhanam supported more powers for States.
iii. The need for a strong Centre was reinforced by the events of Partition,
but fiscal independence for States was also stressed.
Section D: Source Based Questions (4 Marks Each)
- Read the following source
carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Inscriptions
Inscriptions
are writings engraved on hard surfaces such as stone, metal, or pottery. They
usually record the achievements, activities, or ideas of those who commissioned
them and include the exploits of kings, or donations made by women and men to
religious institutions. Inscriptions are virtually permanent records, some of
which carry dates. Others are dated on the basis of palaeography or styles of
writing, with a fair amount of precision. For instance, in c. 250 BCE, the
letter “a” was written like this:
By c. 500 CE, it was written like this:
The earliest inscriptions were in Prakrit, a name for languages used by
ordinary people. Names of rulers such as Ajatasattu and Asoka, known from
Prakrit texts and inscriptions, have been spelt in their Prakrit forms in this
chapter. You will also find terms in languages such as Pali, Tamil, and
Sanskrit, which too were used to write inscriptions and texts. It is possible
that people spoke in other languages as well, even though these were not used
for writing.
Questions:
I. What role
does palaeography play in determining the age of inscriptions?
Answer: Palaeography helps scholars determine the age of inscriptions by
analyzing the styles of writing used over different periods, allowing for the
dating of inscriptions based on changes in script.
II. How do
inscriptions contribute to our understanding of ancient societies and cultures?
Answer: Inscriptions provide valuable information about the
achievements, activities, beliefs, and social practices of ancient societies,
helping historians reconstruct historical narratives and understand cultural
dynamics.
III. What
insights can be gained from studying the languages used in inscriptions across
different regions and time periods?
Answer: Studying the languages used in inscriptions reveals the cultural
and linguistic diversity of ancient societies, showing how different regions
and time periods influenced each other and providing evidence of cultural
exchange and evolution.
- Read the following source
carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Translating
texts, sharing ideas
Al-Biruni’s
expertise in several languages allowed him to compare languages and translate
texts. He translated several Sanskrit works, including Patanjali’s work on
grammar, into Arabic. For his Brahmana friends, he translated the works of
Euclid (a Greek mathematician) into Sanskrit.
Questions:
I. Analyse the
advantage Al-Biruni gained from his expertise in multiple languages.
Answer: Al-Biruni’s proficiency in multiple languages allowed him to
engage in cross-cultural communication, facilitating the exchange of knowledge
and ideas between different civilizations, which enriched both his
understanding and the understanding of those he interacted with.
II. Analyse the
significance of Al-Biruni translating Patanjali’s work on grammar into Arabic.
Answer: By translating Patanjali’s work on grammar into Arabic,
Al-Biruni preserved and transmitted important Indian knowledge to the Islamic
world, promoting intellectual exchange and expanding the reach of Indian
scholarship.
III. How did
Al-Biruni’s translations contribute to the mutual understanding and
appreciation between Islamic and Indian civilizations?
Answer: Al-Biruni’s translations fostered mutual understanding by
facilitating the exchange of knowledge, scientific methods, and cultural practices,
promoting intellectual dialogue and cooperation between Islamic and Indian
civilizations.
- Read the following source
carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Why was salt
the symbol of protest?
This is what
Mahatma Gandhi wrote:
“The volume of information being gained daily shows how wickedly the salt tax
has been designed. In order to prevent the use of salt that has not paid the
tax, which is at times even fourteen times its value, the Government destroys
the salt it cannot sell profitably. Thus, it taxes the nation’s vital
necessity; it prevents the public from manufacturing it and destroys what
nature manufactures without effort. No adjective is strong enough for
characterizing this wicked dog-in-the-manger policy. From various sources I hear
tales of such wanton destruction of the nation’s property in all parts of
India. Maunds, if not tons, of salt are said to be destroyed on the Konkan
coast. The same tale comes from Dandi. Wherever there is likelihood of natural
salt being taken away by the people living in the neighbourhood of such areas
for their personal use, salt officers are posted for the sole purpose of
carrying on destruction. Thus, valuable national property is destroyed at
national expense and salt is taken out of the mouths of the people. The salt
monopoly is thus a fourfold curse. It deprives the people of a valuable easy
village industry, involves wanton destruction of property that nature produces
in abundance, the destruction itself means more national expenditure, and, fourthly,
to crown this folly, an unheard-of tax of more than 1,000 percent is exacted
from a starving people. This tax has remained so long because of the apathy of
the general public. Now that it is sufficiently roused, the tax has to go. How
soon it will be abolished depends upon the strength of the people.”
Questions:
I. What does
Gandhi’s reference to the “power of peace and non-violence” suggest
about his strategic approach to resistance against British colonial rule?
Answer: Gandhi’s emphasis on the “power of peace and non-violence”
highlights his belief in using moral force and non-violent methods to mobilize
mass resistance against British colonial rule, seeking social and political
change through peaceful means.
II. What
parallels can be drawn between Gandhi’s critique of the salt tax and broader
movements for social justice and human rights?
Answer: Gandhi’s critique of the salt tax reflects the broader struggle
against systemic oppression and injustice, similar to global movements for
social justice and human rights, where non-violent resistance is used to
challenge unjust laws and policies that exploit marginalized communities.
III. How does
Gandhi’s reference to the destruction of salt by the government shed light on
the broader implications of colonial policies on India’s natural resources?
Answer: Gandhi’s mention of the destruction of salt by the government
illustrates how colonial policies were designed to exploit India’s natural
resources for imperial profit, often at the expense of local communities, which
led to greater socio-economic inequalities and hindered the well-being of the
population.
Section E: Map Based Question (5 Marks)
- (34.1) On the given political map
of India, locate and label the following with appropriate symbols:
I. Sanchi – A
Stupa
II. Kalibanga – Indus Valley Site
III. (a) Panipat – Territory under the Control of Mughals
OR
(b) Vijayanagar – Capital of Vijayanagar Empire
(34.2) On the
same outline map, two places have been marked as ‘A’ and ‘B,’ as the centers of
the Revolt of 1857. Identify them and write their correct names on the lines
drawn near them.
Note: Since I cannot provide a map here, the
following questions are for visually impaired candidates:
A. Mention any
two Buddhist sites in Central India.
Answer: Sanchi, Bharhut
B. (I) Mention
any one Territory under the Mughal Empire.
Answer: Delhi
OR
(II) Name the
capital of the Vijayanagar Empire.
Answer: Vijayanagar
C. Mention any
two centers of the Revolt of 1857.
Answer: Delhi, Lucknow